dearest

/หˆdษชษนษชst/

IPA: /D IH1 R AH0 S T/

adjective
  1. 1

    High in price; expensive.

    โ€œThe dearer the jewel, the greater the love expressed.โ€

  2. 2

    Loved; lovable.

  3. 3

    Loving, affectionate, heartfelt

    โ€œSuch dear embrace tenderly comforts even in this dear sorrow.โ€

  4. 4

    Precious to or greatly valued by someone.

    โ€œThe dearer the giver, the dearer the trinket he brings!โ€

  5. 5

    A formal way to start (possibly after my) addressing somebody at the beginning of a letter, memo etc.

    โ€œDear Sir/Madam/Miss, please notice our offices will be closed during the following bank holidays:ย [...].โ€

  6. 6

    A formal way to start (often after my) addressing somebody one likes or regards kindly.

    โ€œMy dear friend, I feel better as soon as you come sit beside my sickbed!โ€

  7. 7

    An ironic way to start (often after my) addressing an inferior.

    โ€œMy dear boy, if your grades don't pick up I won't bounce you on but over my knee!โ€

  8. 8

    Noble.

noun
  1. 1

    A beloved person; a term of endearment.

Source: https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/dear, https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/dearest