dearest

USAGE SUMMARY

"dearest" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is an adjective used to express affection or strong friendship. Example: I'm sending all my dearest wishes for a joyful birthday.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

My cousin told me she only really wanted a small occasion for her nearest and dearest and didn't want her husband paying the wedding off for years, as is often the case.

The Guardian - Opinion

One of my dearest college friends who, by a benign coincidence, has moved into the same North Dublin road I live in describes himself as the "least nationalistic person you know".

The Guardian

On the 1968 European Cup final: "This is the greatest night of my life, the fulfilment of my dearest wish to become the first English side to win the European Cup.

The Guardian - Sport

Worth £150,000, the deal made him the second dearest signing in the club's history - Malcolm Macdonald had arrived from Luton in the summer for £180,000 - and the most expensive Scotsman of all-time.

The Guardian - Sport

My dearest old friends, together since the dark days when gay sex was illegal, were civilly partnered a day after the law permitted it.

The Guardian - Opinion

In his speech last Friday at Nike's headquarters in Oregon, Obama said unions have been "fellow travelers" with him on increasing the minimum wage and job training, but he added: "On trade, I actually think some of my dearest friends are wrong.

The Guardian

But as many people in the bars of Shinjuku wryly note, in other areas of policy, Mr Abe's dearest wish is to rewrite the bits of the constitution that he finds archaic.

The Economist

These deals appear to value it at about $1.3 billion, which could well make it South-East Asia's dearest technology firm.Like other Rocket companies, Lazada is run by a gaggle of young European expatriates, plucked from finance and consulting.

The Economist

But at least investors can take comfort that this liquid asset is drinkable and that what tastes best is not always dearest.

The Economist

"EVEN the dearest that I love the best/Are strange nay, stranger than the rest".

The Economist

Especially in the marginal south-eastern constituencies that are dearest to his heart, people may listen when the Tories ask, does this son of the Kirkcaldy manse really understand us?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and audience when using "dearest", as it can sound overly sentimental in casual settings. Adapt its use to maintain the appropriate tone.

Common error

Avoid using "dearest" in informal emails or texts, as it can sound unnatural and overly formal. Opt for more casual terms of endearment in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "dearest" is as an adjective, functioning as the superlative form of "dear". It modifies nouns to express a high degree of affection, value, or endearment. As Ludwig states, it is a correct and usable word to indicate affection or strong friendship.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Formal & Business

22%

Science

22%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Dearest" is primarily used as an adjective to express deep affection or high value. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable term often seen in formal writing. Its usage spans from professional correspondence to heartfelt personal messages. The frequency of "dearest" is high, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, be mindful of its formal connotation and consider alternatives like "most beloved" in less formal settings. Using "dearest" thoughtfully enhances the emotional impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

most beloved

Focuses more on the concept of being loved above all others.

most cherished

Emphasizes the act of treasuring and holding something valuable.

most precious

Highlights the irreplaceability and value of something.

highly esteemed

Indicates respect and admiration for someone.

deeply loved

Underscores the intensity and depth of affection.

extremely valued

Highlights the great worth attributed to something.

very special

Emphasizes the uniqueness and importance of something.

favorite of all

Specifies something as preferred over all others.

closest to the heart

Conveys a sense of emotional connection and importance.

most favored

Implies a level of preference or advantage above others.

FAQs

How can I use "dearest" in a sentence?

You can use "dearest" to express affection, such as "My "dearest friend", thank you for your support" or "This is my "dearest wish"." It's often used in formal or heartfelt contexts.

What are some alternatives to using "dearest"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "most beloved", "most cherished", or "most precious" to convey a similar sense of affection or value.

Is it appropriate to use "dearest" in professional communication?

While "dearest" is generally reserved for personal or formal correspondence, it can be appropriate in professional settings if you have a close, established relationship with the recipient and want to convey genuine appreciation or sincerity. However, use it sparingly to avoid sounding insincere or overly familiar.

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

"Dearest" is the superlative form of "dear", indicating a higher degree of affection or value. While "dear" is a common greeting or term of endearment, "dearest" suggests a more profound or special connection.