DEARLY

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does dearly mean? 

• DEARLY (adverb)
  The adverb DEARLY has 3 senses:

1. in a sincere and heartfelt manner

2. at a great cost

3. with affection

  Familiarity information: DEARLY used as an adverb is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• DEARLY (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

In a sincere and heartfelt manner

Synonyms:

dearly; in a heartfelt way

Context example:

I would dearly love to know

Pertainym:

dear (sincerely earnest)

Sense 2

Meaning:

At a great cost

Synonyms:

dear; dearly

Context example:

this cost him dear

Pertainym:

dear (having a high price)

Sense 3

Meaning:

With affection

Synonyms:

affectionately; dear; dearly

Context example:

he treats her affectionately

Pertainym:

dear (dearly loved)

 Context examples 

Dirty little boots stood drying before the fire, and traces of the dearly beloved boys, for whom he makes a slave of himself, were to be seen all over the room.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

If there is something you dearly want, act on that on that desire at or in the days following the November 26 new moon.

(AstrologyZone.com, by Susan Miller)

She loved me dearly, but was never happy.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

“That is an uncommon advantage, and uncommon I hope it will continue, for it would be a great loss to me to have many such acquaintances. I dearly love a laugh.”

(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)

This tomb was erected by his sorrowing mother to her dearly beloved son.

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)

I heard her words with a responsive thrill, it was all so dearly intimate and natural, and I said: It seems as though I have lived this life always.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

I should dearly love to settle you both in this country; and therefore, Henry, you shall marry the youngest Miss Bertram, a nice, handsome, good-humoured, accomplished girl, who will make you very happy.

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)

They loved each other dearly, but sorrowed much that they had no children.

(Fairy Tales, by The Brothers Grimm)

You will find a happy, cheerful home and friends who love you dearly.

(Frankenstein, by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley)

She dearly loved her father, but he was no companion for her.

(Emma, by Jane Austen)