dear

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA: /dɪə/, SAMPA: /dI@/
• (US) IPA: /dɪɹ/, SAMPA: /dIr/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Homophones

• deer

Adjective

Positive dear

Comparative dearer

Superlative dearest

1. Dear is something that is precious or greatly valued to someone. They love the thing or the person. <> ƙaunatacce, ƙaunatacciya, 'yan uwa, ɗan uwa, na ƙwarai, mai muhimmanci.

   My dear citizens, I am very grateful to God and to all Nigerians for their prayers. I am pleased to be back on home soil among my brothers and sisters. <> Ya ku 'yan uwana 'yan Najeriya. Ina mai matukar godiya ga Allah da kuma daukacin 'yan Najeriya saboda addu'o'in da suka yi mini. Ina farin cikin dawowa gida cikin 'yan uwana maza da mata. [1]

   My large stamp collection is very dear to me.

   “A Wonderful Overseer and a Dear Friend” <> “Mai Kula Mai Kyau da Kuma Aboki Ƙaunatacce” [2]

2. Dear is something very expensive. It has a highr price; costs a lot of money. <> mai tsada.

   That diamond ring is too dear -- we can't buy it.

Noun

Singular dear

Plural dears

1. A kind, loving person. <> ƙaunatacce, ƙaunatacciya, masoyi, masoyiya.

   My cousin is my dear because she gives me flowers very often.

Other Uses

1. (in a letter, a wasiƙa) zuwa ga. [3]
2. Oh dear! <> kash! [4], wayyo! [5]