dear (Noun) — Someone who is loved (used as term of endearment).
dear (Noun) — A sweet innocent mild-mannered person (especially a child).
dear (Adjective) — Dearly loved.
dear (Adjective) — With or in a close or intimate relationship. ex. "my sisters and brothers are near and dear"
dear (Adjective) — Sincerely intended and with strong feeling. ex. "one's dearest wish"
dear (Adjective) — Having a high price. ex. "much too dear for my pocketbook"
dear (Adjective) — A formal way of addressing somebody at the beginning of a letter or email.
dear (Adverb) — With affection. ex. "she loved him dear"
dear (Adverb) — At a great cost. ex. "this cost him dear"
dear (Interjection) — Used to express shock, dismay, disappointment, sympathy, etc.. ex. "Oh dear; I was so miserable !" ex. "Oh, dear me, dear me, what shall I do?"