dear in WordNet English dictionary

1. with affection
   "she loved him dearly"; "he treats her affectionately"
   dearly  affectionately  dear  dearly  affectionately  dear 
   
2. at a great cost
   "he paid dearly for the food"; "this cost him dear"
   dearly  dear  dearly  dear 
   

1. a beloved person; used as terms of endearment
   beloved  dear  dearest  honey  love 
   
2. a sweet innocent mild-mannered person (especially a child)
   lamb  dear 
   

1. dearly loved
   beloved  darling  dear 
   
2. having a high price
   "costly jewelry"; "high-priced merchandise"; "much too dear for my pocketbook"; "a pricey restaurant"
   costly  dear  high-priced  pricey  pricy 
   
3. with or in a close or intimate relationship
   "a good friend"; "my sisters and brothers are near and dear"
   dear  good  near 
   
4. earnest
   "one's dearest wish"; "devout wishes for their success"; "heartfelt condolences"
   dear  devout  earnest  heartfelt