dear · adjective /dɪr/
dear (IN LETTERS)
A1 used at the beginning of a letter to greet the person you are writing to
Dictionary example:
Dear Kerry/Mom and Dad/Ms. Smith/Sir
Learner example:
Dear Jo, I think the new art class is on Friday. (Key English Test; A2; French)
dear (LIKED)
B2 always before noun liked very much
Dictionary examples:
She was a very dear friend.
He's one of my dearest friends.
My dear Gina - how nice to see you!
Learner example:
I decided to go to my dear friend Mary's house after writing a letter saying where I was and why. (First Certificate in English; B2; Spanish)
dear to sb/sb's heart
C2 If something is dear to someone or dear to someone's heart, it is very important to them.
Dictionary example:
The charity was very dear to his heart.
Learner example:
Among all the places I enjoyed visiting, the city of Singapore is especially dear to my heart. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; French)
dear · exclamation /dɪr/
Oh dear! ()
A2 used to express surprise or disappointment
Dictionary example:
Oh dear! I forgot my keys.
Learner example:
Oh dear! Why do you work so hard? (First Certificate in English; B2; Polish)
