What is dear? Pronunciation and usage in English

dear means . Learn how to pronounce and use dear through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of dear

dearadjective

/dɪə/
Definition & pronunciation of dear

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "dear" in English. It's a tricky one for some learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /diər/ (rhymes with "beer")

Let's break that down further:

  • "di": This sounds like the "deer" in "deer" - a short, clear "ee" sound.
  • "r": This is a dark "r," meaning it's pronounced further back in your throat than a typical "r." It's not rolled like in Spanish or Italian. Think of it as a slight friction sound. It's often described as a "throaty r."

Here’s how it sounds in written form (using IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

ˈdiːər

Tips for getting it right:

  • Focus on the “ee” sound: Make sure the first two syllables sound like the "ee" in "deer."
  • The Dark "r": This is the key. Try to feel the vibration in the back of your throat when you say the "r." You can practice by saying “butter” and then mimicking the back-of-the-throat “r” sound.
  • Listen to Native Speakers: This is crucial. The best way to learn the sound is to hear it. Here are some resources:
    • Google Audio: Type "how to pronounce dear" into Google and click the audio icon.
    • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce dear" on YouTube. You'll find many videos demonstrating the pronunciation.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/dear/ - This site has pronunciations by native speakers from different accents.

Less Common (but still acceptable) Pronunciations:

  • /diːr/ (rhymes with "beer" - slightly longer “ee” sound) - Some speakers, especially in parts of the UK, will pronounce it with a slightly longer vowel sound.

Resources for practicing:

  • YouGlish: https://youglish.com/ - Type "dear" into the search bar and it will show you video clips of native speakers using the word in context.

Do you want me to:

  • Record an example pronunciation?
  • Give you some more practice words with the same "dark r" sound?

Usage and examples with the word dear in English

The word "dear" is a wonderfully versatile word in English with multiple uses! Here's a breakdown of how to use it, grouped by category:

1. As a Term of Affection (Most Common Usage)

  • Meaning: Like "love," "sweetheart," "honey," or "dear friend." It expresses warmth, fondness, and care.
  • Usage: It's almost always informal.
  • Examples:
    • "Dear, you look tired. Let me get you a glass of water."
    • "Dear, I’m so glad you could come!"
    • "Dear Sarah, thank you for your lovely card."

2. As an Interjection (Expressing Surprise, Concern, or Emphasis)

  • Meaning: Used to draw attention to something, often with a tone of surprise, concern, or gentle persuasion. It’s a softer, gentler way of saying "Oh," "Really?" or "Look!"
  • Usage: Often used before a statement. It can be considered slightly old-fashioned in some contexts.
  • Examples:
    • "Dear me, it’s raining!" (Expressing surprise)
    • "Dear, you've made a mistake." (Expressing concern)
    • "Dear, let's be quiet for a moment." (Expressing a gentle request)

3. As an Adjective (Describing Something Delicate or Precious)

  • Meaning: Describing something that is fragile, precious, or sensitive. It implies a need for care.
  • Usage: Used to describe objects, feelings, or situations.
  • Examples:
    • "She wore a dear necklace that belonged to her grandmother." (Fragile/precious)
    • "He had a dear little smile." (Gentle/delicate)
    • "She felt a dear sadness when she heard the news." (Sensitive emotion)

4. In Phrases (Less Common)

  • “Dear heart”: A very informal term of endearment, similar to “sweetheart.” Often used in Southern American English.
  • “Dear God” / “Dear Lord”: Expressing exasperation, frustration, or surprise, similar to “Oh my God.”

Important Notes & Considerations:

  • Formality: Generally, avoid using "dear" in formal writing or professional settings. It’s best suited for casual conversations with friends, family, or close acquaintances.
  • Tone: “Dear” as an interjection can sometimes sound a bit old-fashioned or even condescending if not used carefully. Pay attention to the context and your tone of voice.
  • Regional Variations: The usage of "dear" (particularly as an interjection) can vary by region.

Here's a quick table summarizing the different uses:

Use Meaning Example Formality
Affection Love, fondness "Dear, you're looking great!" Informal
Interjection Surprise/Concern "Dear me, that's expensive!" Informal
Adjective Delicate/Precious "A dear little puppy" Informal

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you thinking about using “dear” in? (e.g., a letter, a conversation, a piece of writing)

Synonyms for the word dear

Idioms of the word dear

close/dear/near to somebody’s heart
having a lot of importance and interest for somebody
    dear old/little…
    used to describe somebody in a way that shows love
    • Dear old Sue! I knew she'd help.
    • Their baby's a dear little thing.
    • It's always good to hear from dear old Harry!
    for dear life | for your life
    as hard or as fast as possible
    • She was holding on to the rope for dear life.
    • Run for your life!
    hang/hold on for dear life
    (informal)to hold somebody/something very tightly because you are afraid
      hold somebody/something dear
      (formal)to care very much for somebody/something; to value somebody/something highly
      • He had destroyed everything we held dear.
      your nearest and dearest
      (informal)your close family and friends

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