DEAR - Definition & Meaning for Kids
Meaning 1
Part of speech: Adjective
with or in a close or intimate relationship
Example: a good friend; my sisters and brothers are near and dear
Meaning 2
Part of speech: Adjective
earnest
Example: one's dearest wish; devout wishes for their success; heartfelt condolences
Synonyms
Honey, Dearest, Affectionately, Costly, Pricey
🌱 Word Origin (Etymology)
The word "dear" comes from Proto-Germanic *deuzaz. It started in Old English dēor. Then it appeared in Middle English dere. Later, people used it in Proto-Germanic *diurijaz. After that, it was Old English dīere. Over time, it became Middle English dere. Many other languages have similar words:.
- Scots: dere
- Saterland Frisian: djuur
- Dutch: duur
- German: teuer
- Danish: dyr
- Swedish: dyr
- Norwegian: dyr
- Icelandic: dýr
🧩 Fun Fact
Each civilization borrowed this word because they encountered the concept through cultural contact.