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Dearly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ’–
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dearly

[หˆdษชษ™rli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

expression of affection or love

In a way that shows deep affection or love towards someone.

Synonyms

deeply, intensely, passionately.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dearly

This word is often used to express strong affection or sincere emotions, usually in a tender or nostalgic manner. It can also imply high cost or significant value.

  • I love you dearly
  • She paid dearly for her mistakes
deeply

Typically used to describe strong emotions or feelings that are profound and not easily shaken. It often refers to things that affect someone on a more personal or emotional level.

  • He was deeply moved by her kindness
  • She is deeply involved in her studies
intensely

Used to describe actions or feelings that are very strong and focused. It often implies a high level of concentration or effort.

  • He looked at her intensely
  • She felt an intensely strong urge to speak
passionately

This word is used to describe feelings or actions that are driven by great enthusiasm or strong emotion, often related to love, interest, or commitment.

  • She spoke passionately about her project
  • They kissed passionately under the moonlight

Examples of usage

  • She dearly missed her old friends.
  • He dearly loved his family.
  • We will dearly remember those who sacrificed their lives for our country.
Context #2 | Adverb

at a high cost or price

In a way that involves a high cost or price.

Synonyms

costly, expensively, highly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dearly

This word is often used to express a high level of affection or importance, sometimes also in a context of paying a high price or suffering a great loss.

  • I love you dearly.
  • He paid dearly for his mistakes.
expensively

Used to describe an action that involves spending a lot of money.

  • She dresses very expensively.
  • They decorated their house expensively.
costly

Typically used to describe something that is expensive or has a high price in terms of money or other resources; sometimes also implying a negative impact.

  • The new policy proved to be very costly for the company.
  • They faced a costly defeat in the championship.
highly

Often used to emphasize a high degree or level of something, typically in a positive sense though not exclusively tied to cost.

  • She speaks highly of her mentor.
  • It is highly recommended.

Examples of usage

  • The necklace was dearly bought but worth it.
  • She paid dearly for her mistakes.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • The phrase 'dearly beloved' is famously used in speeches, particularly in weddings, to express love and partnership.
  • Shakespeare's works often include 'dear' or 'dearly' to denote affection, showing its deep literary roots.
  • In Charlotte Brontรซ's 'Jane Eyre,' the phrase expresses deep emotional connections, showcasing how language captures love.

Psychology

  • Using words like 'dearly' can strengthen emotional bonds in relationships, making connections feel deeper.
  • Psychological studies suggest that expressing affection verbally can improve overall mental health and relational satisfaction.
  • Research shows that terms of endearment trigger positive feelings, enhancing feelings of closeness and affection.

Cultural Usage

  • 'Dearly' is often found in poetic expressions and songs, highlighting affectionate sentiments across many cultures.
  • In some cultures, using 'dearly' reflects family values, emphasizing the importance of close relationships and community.
  • Songs and literature frequently use 'dearly' as a way to convey deep love or loss, creating a universal language of emotion.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'I love you dearly' appears in various popular songs, emphasizing its use in expressing love.
  • Movies often portray 'dear' phrases during confession scenes, making it relatable and highlighting emotional exchanges.
  • Social media trends sometimes use 'dearly' in hashtags or posts to express heartfelt messages and affection among friends.

Origin of 'dearly'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Old English word 'deore,' which means 'dear' or 'precious.'
  • Over time, 'dearly' evolved to describe something cherished more deeply than usual, emphasizing affection.
  • Itโ€™s related to the German word 'teuer,' which also signifies something valuable or precious.

The word 'dearly' originated from the Middle English word 'derely', which comes from the Old English word 'deorlice', meaning 'preciously' or 'with affection'. Over time, the meaning of 'dearly' has evolved to encompass both expressions of love and affection, as well as actions that come at a high cost. The adverb 'dearly' has been used in English language for centuries to convey deep emotions and the value of something.

See also: dear, dearth, endear.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,479, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.