The noun dear has 2 senses (first 1 from tagged texts)
1. (4) beloved, dear, dearest, loved one, honey, love -- (a beloved person; used as terms of endearment)
2. lamb, dear -- (a sweet innocent mild-mannered person (especially a child))
Overview of adj dear
The adj dear has 4 senses (first 2 from tagged texts)
1. (8) beloved, darling, dear -- (dearly loved)
2. (1) dear, good, near -- (with or in a close or intimate relationship; "a good friend"; "my sisters and brothers are near and dear")
3. dear, devout, earnest, heartfelt -- (earnest; "one's dearest wish"; "devout wishes for their success"; "heartfelt condolences")
4. costly, dear, high-priced, pricey, pricy -- (having a high price; "costly jewelry"; "high-priced merchandise"; "much too dear for my pocketbook"; "a pricey restaurant")
Overview of adv dear
The adv dear has 2 senses (no senses from tagged texts)
1. dearly, affectionately, dear -- (with affection; "she loved him dearly"; "he treats her affectionately")
2. dearly, dear -- (at a great cost; "he paid dearly for the food"; "this cost him dear")