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.
In the fast changing AI field, these delays could cost startups dearly. Luboslava Uram, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025 The man advantage has cost them dearly in the playoffs year after year, with an awful 15 percent conversion rate over the last five postseasons, ranking them fifth last among 27 teams that have qualified. James Mirtle, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 2025 MacKay’s family, friends, the faith community and Florida politics will miss him dearly. Kendrick Meek, Orlando Sentinel, 19 Jan. 2025 Vlasic was dearly missed by the Sharks in the 2014 playoffs when he was injured in Game 5 of their first-round series against Los Angeles, as the Kings fought back from a 3-0 series deficit to win in seven games. Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, 15 Jan. 2025 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 1 Feb. 2025.

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