Ask Difference

Dear vs. Dearest — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 7, 2023
'Dear' is a term of affection or formality, while 'Dearest' intensifies the affection, suggesting someone is the most loved or cherished.
Dear vs. Dearest — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Dear and Dearest

ADVERTISEMENT

Key Differences

'Dear' and 'Dearest' are both terms of endearment, but 'Dear' can also be a polite term used to address someone in a letter or conversation. It conveys warmth and affection but maintains a level of casualness or formality depending on the context. For example, a letter might begin with "Dear Mr. Smith," indicating respect rather than intimacy.
On the other hand, 'Dearest' is a superlative form of 'Dear,' indicating a higher degree of affection or importance. It is reserved for those with whom one shares a close bond or deep personal relationship. 'Dearest' might be used to address a letter to a loved one, signifying a special or intimate connection, as in "My Dearest Mary."
While 'Dear' can refer to anyone valued or respected, 'Dearest' is exclusive and personal, used to refer to someone considered the most beloved. 'Dear' might be seen in professional contexts, still respectful but less intimate. For instance, "Dear Colleagues" is suitable for a work email.
In contrast, 'Dearest' would appear out of place in a professional setting due to its implication of a private or familial relationship. It is a term of great endearment and is often seen in historical or literary contexts, reflecting a depth of emotion and closeness, such as in old personal letters or romantic literature.
'Dear' can be synonymous with expensive or cherished when not addressing someone, indicating the value of an object or concept, while 'Dearest' as an adjective is almost exclusively used for people, not things. This highlights the nuanced usage of 'Dear' in various contexts compared to the more singular emotional focus of 'Dearest.'
ADVERTISEMENT

Comparison Chart

Degree of Affection

Shows affection or regard
Indicates highest affection

Usage Frequency

Common in daily use
Less common, more intimate

Relationship Context

Can be formal or personal
Suggests close personal ties

Formality Level

Formal or informal
Typically informal

Scope of Use

Broader, various contexts
Narrower, emotional context

Compare with Definitions

Dear

Highly valued
The family heirlooms were dear to him.

Dearest

Most beloved
You are my dearest friend.

Dear

Costly or expensive
That painting is very dear.

Dearest

Extremely loving
Her dearest embrace warmed him.

Dear

Regarded with deep affection
He is very dear to me
A dear friend

Dearest

Most cherished
He kept the dearest memories close to his heart.

Dear

Expensive
Five pounds—that's a bit dear!

Dearest

An endearing, lovable, or kind person
What a dear she is!.

Dear

Used as an affectionate or friendly form of address
Don't you worry, dear

Dearest

Most loved or cherished
One of my dearest friends

Dear

At a high cost
They buy property cheaply and sell dear

Dearest

Most expensive
Beer is dearest in Germany

Dear

Used in expressions of surprise, dismay, or sympathy
Oh dear, I've upset you

Dearest

Used as an affectionate form of address
You make me so happy, dearest

Dear

Loved and cherished
My dearest friend.

Dearest

Loved and cherished
My dearest friend.

Dear

Greatly valued; precious
Lost everything dear to them.

Dearest

Greatly valued; precious
Lost everything dear to them.

Dear

Highly esteemed or regarded. Used in direct address, especially in salutations
Dear Lee Dawson.

Dearest

Highly esteemed or regarded. Used in direct address, especially in salutations
Dear Lee Dawson.

Dear

High-priced; expensive.

Dearest

High-priced; expensive.

Dear

Charging high prices.

Dearest

Charging high prices.

Dear

Earnest; ardent
"This good man was a dear lover and constant practicer of angling" (Izaak Walton).

Dearest

Earnest; ardent
"This good man was a dear lover and constant practicer of angling" (Izaak Walton).

Dear

(Obsolete) Noble; worthy.

Dearest

(Obsolete) Noble; worthy.

Dear

Heartfelt
It is my dearest wish.

Dearest

Heartfelt
It is my dearest wish.

Dear

Severe; grievous; sore
Our dearest need.

Dearest

Severe; grievous; sore
Our dearest need.

Dear

A person who is greatly loved. Often used as a form of address.

Dearest

A person who is greatly loved. Often used as a form of address.

Dear

An endearing, lovable, or kind person
What a dear she is!.

Dearest

With fondness; affectionately.

Dear

With fondness; affectionately.

Dearest

At a high cost
Sold their wares dear.

Dear

At a high cost
Sold their wares dear.

Dearest

Used as a polite exclamation, chiefly of surprise or distress
Oh dear.
Dear me.

Dear

Used as a polite exclamation, chiefly of surprise or distress
Oh dear.
Dear me.

Dearest

A beloved person; a term of endearment.

Dear

(UK) High in price; expensive.
The dearer the jewel, the greater the love expressed.

Dearest

A beloved person; used as terms of endearment

Dear

Loved; lovable.

Dearest

A term of intimate address
Dearest, will you pass the salt?

Dear

Lovely; kind.

Dearest

Deeply heartfelt
In her dearest wish, she hoped for peace.

Dear

Loving, affectionate, heartfelt
Such dear embrace tenderly comforts even in this dear sorrow.

Dear

Precious to or greatly valued by someone.
The dearer the giver, the dearer the trinket he brings!

Dear

A formal way to start (possibly after my) addressing somebody at the beginning of a letter, memo etc.
Dear Sir/Madam/Miss, please notice our offices will be closed during the following bank holidays:nb....

Dear

A formal way to start (often after my) addressing somebody one likes or regards kindly.
My dear friend, I feel better as soon as you come sit beside my sickbed!

Dear

An ironic way to start (often after my) addressing an inferior.
My dear boy, if your grades don't pick up I won't bounce you on, but over my knee!

Dear

(obsolete) Noble.

Dear

Severe, or severely affected; sore.

Dear

(obsolete) Fierce.
The Christens found the heathens dear, as the lion doth the bear.

Dear

A very kind, loving person.
My little cousin is such a dear, always drawing me pictures.

Dear

A beloved person.

Dear

An affectionate, familiar term of address, such as used between husband and wife.
Pass me the salt, would you dear?

Dear

An elderly person, especially a woman.

Dear

(obsolete) To endear.

Dear

Dearly; at a high price.

Dear

(dated) Indicating surprise, pity, or disapproval.
Dear, dear! Whatever were they thinking?

Dear

Bearing a high price; high-priced; costly; expensive.
The cheapest of us is ten groats too dear.

Dear

Marked by scarcity or dearth, and exorbitance of price; as, a dear year.

Dear

Highly valued; greatly beloved; cherished; precious.
Neither count I my life dear unto myself.
And the last joy was dearer than the rest.
Dear as remember'd kisses after death.

Dear

Hence, close to the heart; heartfelt; present in mind; engaging the attention.
[I'll] leave you to attend him: some dear causeWill in concealment wrap me up awhile.
His dearest wish was to escape from the bustle and glitter of Whitehall.

Dear

Of disagreeable things and antipathies.
In our dear peril.
Would I had met my dearest foe in heavenOr ever I had seen that day.

Dear

A dear one; lover; sweetheart.
That kiss I carried from thee, dear.

Dear

Dearly; at a high price.
If thou attempt it, it will cost thee dear.

Dear

To endear.

Dear

A beloved person; used as terms of endearment

Dear

A sweet innocent mild-mannered person (especially a child)

Dear

Dearly loved

Dear

With or in a close or intimate relationship;
A good friend
My sisters and brothers are near and dear

Dear

Earnest;
One's dearest wish
Devout wishes for their success
Heartfelt condolences

Dear

Having a high price;
Costly jewelry
High-priced merchandise
Much too dear for my pocketbook
A pricey restaurant

Dear

With affection;
She loved him dearly
He treats her affectionately

Dear

At a great cost;
He paid dearly for the food
This cost him dear

Dear

Beloved or loved
She wrote a note to her dear friend.

Dear

Earnest or heartfelt
He gave a dear apology.

Dear

A polite address
Dear Sir or Madam, your attention is needed.

Common Curiosities

Can "Dear" be used for both males and females?

Yes, "Dear" is gender-neutral and can be used for any gender.

Can "Dear" be an adjective for something non-human?

Yes, "Dear" can describe something valuable or expensive.

Does "Dearest" imply a close relationship?

Yes, "Dearest" implies a close, intimate relationship.

Can "Dear" start both formal and informal letters?

Yes, "Dear" is suitable for starting both formal and informal letters.

Is "Dearest" appropriate in professional correspondence?

No, "Dearest" is too intimate for professional correspondence.

Is "Dearest" an appropriate salutation for a business email?

No, "Dearest" is too personal for a business email.

Does "Dear" have a plural form?

Yes, "Dear" can be pluralized as "Dears" when addressing a group.

Is "Dearest" appropriate for closing a letter to a loved one?

Yes, "Dearest" is a warm, affectionate closing for such a letter.

Can "Dear" be used sarcastically?

Yes, "Dear" can be used sarcastically in certain contexts.

Is "Dearest" used in modern communication?

"Dearest" is less common today but still used for affectionate communication.

Can the usage of "Dear" evolve over time in a relationship?

Yes, "Dear" can become more meaningful as a relationship deepens.

Should "Dearest" be reserved for romantic partners?

Not exclusively, but it is often used in a romantic context.

Can "Dearest" refer to the most cherished memory or item?

Typically, "Dearest" refers to people, not objects or memories.

How does tone affect the use of "Dear" in communication?

The tone can render "Dear" either sincere or formal, depending on context.

Can "Dear" precede a job title or role?

Yes, e.g., "Dear Professor Smith."

Share Your Discovery

Share via Social Media
Embed This Content
Embed Code
Share Directly via Messenger
Link
Previous Comparison
Pioneer vs. Explorer

Author Spotlight

Written by
Tayyaba Rehman
Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.

Popular Comparisons

Trending Comparisons

New Comparisons

Trending Terms