Inside the Universes

Words with a similar base: dear, dearest, dearly

'dear'

[beloved.n.01] as in: a beloved person; used as terms of endearment

'dear'

[lamb.n.04] as in: a sweet innocent mild-mannered person (especially a child)

'dear'

[beloved.s.01] as in: dearly loved

'dear'

[dear.s.02] as in: with or in a close or intimate relationship

Examples:
a good friend
my sisters and brothers are near and dear

'dear'

[dear.s.03] as in: earnest

Examples:
one's dearest wish
devout wishes for their success
heartfelt condolences

'dear'

[costly.s.02] as in: having a high price

Examples:
costly jewelry
high-priced merchandise
much too dear for my pocketbook
a pricey restaurant

'dear'

[dearly.r.03] as in: with affection

Examples:
she loved him dearly
he treats her affectionately

'dear'

[dearly.r.02] as in: at a great cost

Examples:
he paid dearly for the food
this cost him dear

Origins

					dear (English)
└── dere (Middle English (1100-1500))
    ├── deor (Old English (ca. 450-1100))
    ├── deore (Old English (ca. 450-1100))
    └── dæru (Old English (ca. 450-1100))