dear

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "dear" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used as a term of endearment when addressing someone, for example, "Dear John," or to express one's sincerity, such as "Dear Mother, I'm sorry for my mistakes." It can also be used to create a sense of intimacy or familiarity between speakers, for example, "Dear friends, thank you for coming."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Gilbert: oh dear.

The Economist

Oh dear.

The New York Times

David Cameron was accused of revealing his ill-suppressed Bullingdon Club instincts when he shouted at the Labour frontbencher Angela Eagle to "calm down, dear" as she berated him for misleading MPs at prime minister's questions.

The Guardian

So now, dear readers, if you're heading off for some lunch, make sure you get back to the sofa in time for the 18-foot skiffs.

The Guardian - Sport

She'd been frozen out of the ruling party, and Mutharika had tried to fire her several times, but she'd clung on for dear life to her constitutional mandate.

The Guardian

But then there was my dad's dear face twinkling out at me from my Twitter feed.

The Guardian

He stepped down in 2011 and was replaced by his political protege in the area, Margaret Ritchie, who described McGrady as "not only my mentor and colleague but a very dear friend".

The Guardian

But while many voters in the constituency undoubtedly hold dear the idea of universal healthcare for all, it was not their first concern in this byelection.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Then there is its American, dear-god-hide-it-in-the-attic sibling, a wretched creature offering a mere 34g of satisfaction.

The Guardian - Business

Freak Show feels more rounded, complete and assured than the previous three incarnations; the scariest since the first, the silliest since the second and the nastiest behind the ooh-dear-that's-a-bit-too-nasty-actually third.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

(I borrowed that dress once. To wear in a school revue. I was playing a Macbeth witch. In an Ossie Clark dress. Dear God!) I don't have many of my mum's clothes but those I have are kept in protective dust-bags.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When starting a letter, use "dear" followed by the recipient's name to create a friendly and respectful tone.

Common error

Avoid using "dear" excessively in highly formal or professional communications where a more neutral tone is appropriate. Instead, opt for a more formal salutation or introduction.

Linguistic Context

The word "dear" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying a noun to express affection, value, or respect. Ludwig AI shows examples where "dear" modifies nouns like "friend", "readers", and "life". It can also function as an adverb, meaning dearly.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "dear" is a versatile term used to express affection, value, or respect, according to Ludwig AI. Functioning primarily as an adjective, it modifies nouns to convey warmth or importance. While generally acceptable and widely used, as Ludwig's examples confirm, avoid overuse in highly formal contexts. Alternatives such as "beloved", "darling", and "esteemed" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. Its usage spans from neutral to formal registers, making it suitable for both personal and professional communication, especially in news and media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beloved

Expresses deep affection or love, similar to "dear" but with a stronger emphasis on emotional connection.

darling

A term of endearment, like "dear", but often implies a closer, more intimate relationship.

cherished

Signifies great affection and protectiveness, differing from "dear" in its intensity of emotion.

precious

Highlights the value and importance of someone or something, similar to "dear" in expressing high regard.

highly valued

Indicates something is considered of great worth, which aligns with the precious aspect of "dear".

esteemed

Indicates high respect and value, differing from "dear" which can also imply affection.

valued

Indicates the importance and worth of something, similar to "dear" in expressing appreciation.

highly regarded

Suggests admiration and respect, which aligns with one aspect of "dear", namely valuing something or someone.

respected

Emphasizes admiration and high opinion, contrasting with "dear" which often carries a warmer, more personal tone.

intimate

Suggests a close, personal relationship, contrasting with "dear" which can be used more generally.

FAQs

How can I use "dear" in a sentence?

"Dear" can be used as a term of endearment, as in "Dear friend", or to indicate something is valued, such as "That principle was "dear to" the First Congress."

What are some alternatives to "dear"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "beloved", "darling", or "esteemed".

Is it always appropriate to start a letter with "Dear"?

While generally acceptable for most letters, in highly formal or professional contexts, consider a more neutral opening. For example, start with "To Whom It May Concern" or the recipient's full name and title.

What's the difference between "dear" and "dearest"?

"Dearest" implies a stronger degree of affection than "dear". Use "dearest" when addressing someone you hold in particularly high regard.