Dearly
What it means
With deep affection or strong personal value.
Reach for it when showing the intensity of love, care, or esteem attached to someone
The retired teacher dearly valued the notes from former pupils.
Words to choose between 5
| everyday | |
|---|---|
| warm |
|
| professional | |
| formal | |
| literary |
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everyday
deeply
Fits when emotional intensity matters without an intimate tone
Careful Deeply can modify regret or concern, whereas dearly usually carries affection or value.
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warm
Fits when gentle affection or pleasant remembrance is intended
Careful Fondly is softer and may understate profound love or importance.
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professional
Fits when honest feeling is more important than its strength
Careful Sincerity proves genuineness but not the depth of affection.
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formal
greatly
Fits when degree matters and emotion should remain neutral
Careful Greatly loses the personal warmth that gives dearly its character.
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literary
Fits when affection appears in gentle treatment or expression
Careful Tenderly describes manner, not necessarily how greatly someone is valued.
Opposites 3
- slightly
- coldly
- indifferently
Common phrases 3
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dearly loved
The old theater was dearly loved by actors and audiences alike.
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dearly value
I dearly value the patience you brought to our friendship.
-
pay dearly
The village would pay dearly for neglecting the sea wall, a non-affectionate use to keep distinct.
Word family 1
Usage notes
Keep in mind
The phrase 'pay dearly' uses a separate sense, at great cost; this page is about affection and value.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Neskaya, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Updated