dear distinguished

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dear distinguished" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It could be used in formal correspondence, particularly when addressing someone of high status or recognition, but it is better to use it with caution. Example: "Dear distinguished guests, we are honored to have you here today."

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Dear Distinguished Members of the United States Senate, As you return to Washington, D.C., for the last session of the year, I write this letter in support of 80% of the American public who urge you to do what you have promised since 2008 and that is to repeal the broken law that we call "Don't Ask, Don't Tell".

Huffington Post

The salutation is the greeting that begins a letter - "Dear distinguished colleague,", "My true love,", and so on.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Dear, dear, dear.

Independent

Respectfully yours, Deard Ernesto Mr.ar President/CEO of the andS Foundistinguishedcago.

Huffington Post

We join with her in mourning the passing of her dear husband who, both in the service of his country and in private law practice, distinguished himself as a resounding voice in the struggle for worker equality and civil rights.

The New York Times

Distinguished CPA.

The New York Times

Distinguished Authorities!

The New York Times

Respondents, within different settings, used similar explanations: ' Mamali can be caused through yeyeesi, for example when one has lost all his properties or dear ones.' (KII with healer, Yei, South Sudan, 30 March 2007 ) This is in contrast to the acute forms of severe behavioural disturbance and violence that were distinguished in Yei and in Kwajena.

Conflict and Health

By Arthur Guiterman The New Yorker, February 27 , 1932P. 23 Dear Mr. Bloom: Distinguished Representative View Article By Rivka Galchen By Malcolm Gladwell By Ben Taub By David Remnick.

The New Yorker

Riffing off the brilliance of our dear Mother Nature, I have discovered and distinguish here for all who would courageously engage, 5 Essential Elements for A Blissful Marriage That Lasts.

Huffington Post

Now at one point, dear reader, it crossed my mind that you may have been pulling my leg in suggesting that Mr. Romney's name is hard to distinguish from a mild scatological euphemism.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dear distinguished" sparingly, as it can sound overly formal or even ironic in contemporary contexts. Reserve it for situations where you genuinely want to convey deep respect and admiration, such as addressing a highly accomplished individual in a formal setting.

Common error

Avoid using "dear distinguished" in everyday communication or informal contexts. Overusing such formal language can make you sound insincere or out of touch with modern communication styles. Consider more casual alternatives like "esteemed" or "respected" for general use.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dear distinguished" functions primarily as a formal salutation, typically used at the beginning of a letter, speech, or other formal communication. It serves to address an individual or group with a high degree of respect and admiration.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dear distinguished" is a formal phrase used as a salutation to convey respect and admiration. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in contemporary settings and is best reserved for situations where a high degree of deference is required. As Ludwig AI suggests, alternatives like "dear esteemed" or "respected colleagues" may be more appropriate in many modern contexts. The phrase's usage is rare, appearing primarily in news media, wiki entries, and scientific publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dear esteemed

Replaces "distinguished" with "esteemed", which also conveys respect and high regard.

beloved distinguished

Replaces "dear" with "beloved", intensifying the feeling of affection or admiration.

dear illustrious

Replaces "distinguished" with "illustrious", highlighting the person's fame and achievements.

fellow distinguished

Substitutes "dear" with "fellow", indicating a sense of camaraderie or shared status among people.

dear honorable

Replaces "distinguished" with "honorable", emphasizing the person's integrity and ethical conduct.

esteemed colleagues

Replace both "dear" and "distinguished" creating more formal form.

darlings distinguished

Uses "darlings" instead of "dear" which conveys greater affection.

dear dear

Repeats "dear", emphasizing affection or concern, though it changes the formality.

respected figures

It is more of a description of the person

dear sirs

Uses "sirs" which is more gender-specific and formal than "distinguished".

FAQs

How can I use "dear distinguished" in a sentence?

The phrase "dear distinguished" is typically used as a formal salutation at the beginning of a letter or speech, expressing deep respect. For example, "Dear distinguished members of the board, I am honored to present this proposal."

What are some alternatives to "dear distinguished"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "dear esteemed", "respected colleagues", or "honored guests" to convey respect without sounding overly formal.

When is it appropriate to use "dear distinguished"?

It is appropriate to use "dear distinguished" in formal settings, such as addressing dignitaries, academics, or individuals with significant achievements. Consider your audience and the level of formality required for the occasion.

Is "dear distinguished" considered old-fashioned?

While grammatically correct, "dear distinguished" can sound somewhat old-fashioned or overly formal in contemporary settings. Consider using more modern and accessible alternatives unless the situation specifically calls for a high degree of formality.