dear

DEAR, adjective 1. Scarce; not plentiful.2. Bearing a high price in comparison of the usual price; more costly than usual; of a higher price than the customary one. Wheat is dear at a dollar a bushel, when the usual price is seventy five cents. This is the effect of scarcity and demand.3. Of a high value in estimation; greatly valued; beloved; precious.And the last joy was dearer than the rest.Be ye followers of God, as dear children. Ephesians 5:1.DEAR, adjective Hurtful; grievous; hateful.DEAR, verb transitive To make dear DEAR, noun A darling; a word denoting tender affection or endearment; as, my dear