dearly

adverb

dear·​ly ˈdir-lē How to pronounce dearly (audio)
1
: with affection : fondly
2
: heartily, earnestly
prayed so dearly for peace
3
: at a high rate or price
paid dearly for the error

Examples of dearly in a Sentence

I would dearly love to see them again. He dearly wanted to believe that it was true.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Conservatives argue that any regulation that stifles AI innovation will cost the US dearly in the technology competition with China. Eric Geller, WIRED, 21 Oct. 2024 Amazon’s company culture pays off Launched in 2005 with an annual membership fee of $79, Prime did cost Amazon dearly. Brian Solis, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2024 And without insurance, the damage is going to cost him dearly. Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 3 Oct. 2024 Along with a lifetime's work in social justice and human rights, our mother leaves behind nine children, 34 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren, along with numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom love her dearly. Cara Tabachnick, CBS News, 10 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dearly 

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dearly was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near dearly

Cite this Entry

“Dearly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dearly. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

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