Dear vs. Dearness — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 15, 2024
"Dear" is primarily an adjective or a salutation expressing affection or high esteem, while "dearness" is a noun referring to the quality of being dear or beloved, often emphasizing emotional closeness or fondness.
Difference Between Dear and Dearness
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Key Differences
"Dear" as an adjective describes someone or something regarded with deep affection; it's commonly used in expressions like "dear friend" or "dear memories." On the other hand, "dearness" is a noun that encapsulates the state or quality of being dear or cherished, reflecting a sentiment of value and emotional attachment.
When used as a salutation, "dear" appears in contexts like letters and emails, initiating communication with a tone of respect or affection, as in "Dear John,". Whereas "dearness" does not function in direct address but rather describes the affectionate value one holds, such as in the phrase "the dearness of old friendships."
In terms of usage, "dear" is versatile, appearing as an adjective, noun, or adverb (as in "dearly"). "Dearness," however, strictly remains a noun, specifically referring to the affection or costliness of someone or something.
The emotional implication of "dear" can range from formal politeness to intimate endearment depending on context. Contrastingly, "dearness" always implies a deep emotional connection, making it less flexible but more profound in expression.
Regarding literary and everyday use, "dear" is far more common, easily fitting into various sentences and scenarios from formal documents to casual conversations. "Dearness," while less common, is used to emphasize a significant emotional or qualitative value in literary or eloquent speech.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Adjective, noun, salutation
Noun
Usage
Describing affection, salutation in letters
Describing the quality of being cherished
Common Contexts
Letters, greetings, expressions of affection
Expressions emphasizing emotional value
Emotional Implication
Ranges from formal to intimate affection
Always denotes deep emotional connection
Flexibility in Speech
High, adaptable in various contexts
Low, more specific and profound
Compare with Definitions
Dear
Salutation.
Dear Mr. Smith,
Dearness
Costliness.
The dearness of living in the city is climbing each year.
Dear
Adjective.
She gave her dear grandmother a warm hug.
Dearness
Emotional value.
The dearness of her words touched everyone in the room.
Dear
Term of endearment.
How are you doing, my dear?
Dearness
Preciousness.
He spoke of the dearness of the family heirloom.
Dear
Noun.
Don't worry, my dear, everything will be alright.
Dearness
Cherished quality.
Her dearness to the community is undeniable.
Dear
Expression of value.
That painting is especially dear to him.
Dearness
Fondness.
They reminisced about the dearness of their childhood days.
Dear
Regarded with deep affection
He is very dear to me
A dear friend
Dearness
Loved and cherished
My dearest friend.
Dear
Expensive
Five pounds—that's a bit dear!
Dearness
Greatly valued; precious
Lost everything dear to them.
Dear
Used as an affectionate or friendly form of address
Don't you worry, dear
Dearness
Highly esteemed or regarded. Used in direct address, especially in salutations
Dear Lee Dawson.
Dear
At a high cost
They buy property cheaply and sell dear
Dearness
High-priced; expensive.
Dear
Used in expressions of surprise, dismay, or sympathy
Oh dear, I've upset you
Dearness
Charging high prices.
Dear
Loved and cherished
My dearest friend.
Dearness
Earnest; ardent
"This good man was a dear lover and constant practicer of angling" (Izaak Walton).
Dear
Greatly valued; precious
Lost everything dear to them.
Dearness
(Obsolete) Noble; worthy.
Dear
Highly esteemed or regarded. Used in direct address, especially in salutations
Dear Lee Dawson.
Dearness
Heartfelt
It is my dearest wish.
Dear
High-priced; expensive.
Dearness
A person who is greatly loved. Often used as a form of address.
Dear
Charging high prices.
Dearness
An endearing, lovable, or kind person
What a dear she is!.
Dear
Earnest; ardent
"This good man was a dear lover and constant practicer of angling" (Izaak Walton).
Dearness
With fondness; affectionately.
Dear
(Obsolete) Noble; worthy.
Dearness
At a high cost
Sold their wares dear.
Dear
Heartfelt
It is my dearest wish.
Dearness
Used as a polite exclamation, chiefly of surprise or distress
Oh dear.
Dear me.
Dear
Severe; grievous; sore
Our dearest need.
Dearness
The quality of having great value or price.
Dear
A person who is greatly loved. Often used as a form of address.
Dearness
The quality or state of being dear; costliness; excess of price.
The dearness of corn.
Dear
An endearing, lovable, or kind person
What a dear she is!.
Dearness
Fondness; preciousness; love; tenderness.
The dearness of friendship.
Dear
With fondness; affectionately.
Dearness
The quality possessed by something with a great price or value
Dear
At a high cost
Sold their wares dear.
Dear
Used as a polite exclamation, chiefly of surprise or distress
Oh dear.
Dear me.
Dear
(UK) High in price; expensive.
The dearer the jewel, the greater the love expressed.
Dear
Loved; lovable.
Dear
Lovely; kind.
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
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
Common Curiosities
Is it appropriate to use "dear" in formal communication?
Yes, "dear" is commonly used in formal communications, especially in the salutations of letters and emails.
Can "dearness" refer to anything other than emotional value?
Yes, "dearness" can also refer to the high cost or value of something, though it's less common.
How is "dearness" used in literature?
In literature, "dearness" is used to emphasize a deep emotional value or cherished quality of characters, settings, or objects.
Can "dear" be used sarcastically?
Yes, "dear" can be used sarcastically in a context that implies the opposite of affection.
What is the difference in emotional intensity between "dear" and "dearness"?
"Dear" can vary in emotional intensity, while "dearness" consistently implies a deeper level of emotional intensity and value.
What does "dear" signify in a letter?
"Dear" in a letter signifies a respectful or affectionate greeting to the recipient.
Is "dearness" commonly used in everyday conversation?
No, "dearness" is less common in everyday conversation and is more likely found in formal or literary contexts.
What kind of relationships might prompt the use of "dearness"?
Relationships characterized by deep affection, like close familial bonds or long-standing friendships, might prompt the use of "dearness."
How can understanding these terms enhance communication?
Understanding the nuances of "dear" and "dearness" helps in choosing the right words to convey respect, affection, or value accurately in communication.
Can "dear" describe objects as well as people?
Yes, "dear" can describe anything held in affectionate regard, including objects.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba 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.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
