Dearly
'dɪərlɪ
Definitions
2 meaningsIn a manner marked by deep affection or fondness.
'dɪərlɪ
With deep affection; fondly.
I miss my old friends dearly.
💡 Simply: It means you really, really like someone or something – you have a lot of love for them. Like when you hug your favorite teddy bear and say you love it dearly! Or when you tell your family you love them dearly. It's a super loving feeling!
👶 For kids: It means you love something or someone very much!
More Examples
She loved her children dearly.
He remembered his late wife dearly.
How It's Used
"She loved her grandmother dearly."
"He remembered his youth dearly."
At a high price or cost; expensively.
'dɪərlɪ
At a great cost or sacrifice.
The company paid dearly for its poor decisions.
💡 Simply: It can also mean something cost a lot, maybe time, money, or effort. Like if you had to study *dearly* for a test, you worked really hard. Or, if you lose something valuable, you may say it cost you *dearly*.
👶 For kids: It can also mean something cost a lot, like money or time.
More Examples
He learned his lesson dearly.
They acquired the land dearly.
How It's Used
"The freedom was bought dearly with many lives lost in war."
"He paid dearly for his mistakes."
Idioms & expressions
pay dearly for something
To suffer consequences or experience negative effects as a result of an action or decision.
"The company will pay dearly for its poor management decisions."
love something dearly
To have a great affection for something.
"I love my dog dearly."
From Middle English derely, literally 'at a dear price,' from Old English dēore (dear, costly) + -ly (adverbial suffix).
Used in Old English and Middle English for expressing affection and high cost.
Memory tip
Think of holding someone or something close to your heart.
Practice
Word Origin
Root: dēore