Dearly

adv.kind, joyfulwarm

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.

everyday
deeply
when emotional intensity matters without an intimate tone
not when Deeply can modify regret or concern, whereas dearly usually carries affection or value.
warm
fondly
when gentle affection or pleasant remembrance is intended
not when Fondly is softer and may understate profound love or importance.
professional
sincerely
when honest feeling is more important than its strength
not when Sincerity proves genuineness but not the depth of affection.
formal
greatly
when degree matters and emotion should remain neutral
not when Greatly loses the personal warmth that gives dearly its character.
literary
tenderly
when affection appears in gentle treatment or expression
not when Tenderly describes manner, not necessarily how greatly someone is valued.

dearly loved
The old theater was dearly loved by actors and audiences alike.
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.

The phrase 'pay dearly' uses a separate costly sense; this record focuses on positive affection and value.

The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.