Expensive vs. Dear — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 28, 2024
Expensive relates to high monetary cost, often implying quality or luxury. Dear can mean costly or cherished, indicating emotional value or high price.
Difference Between Expensive and Dear
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Expensive typically refers to something that has a high monetary cost, suggesting that a significant amount of money is needed to purchase it. On the other hand, dear can either mean something that is beloved and cherished or something that also carries a high monetary cost, often used in a more personal or emotional context.
While expensive items are often associated with luxury goods, designer brands, and items of high quality that command a higher price, dear, when used to describe cost, tends to convey a sense of regret or reluctance about the expenditure. It can also imply that the item, despite its cost, holds a particular value to the buyer.
Expensive is commonly used in a straightforward, objective manner to discuss price and value, especially in commercial and transactional contexts. Dear, however, when used to talk about emotional significance, reflects a deeper, more personal connection to the item or person being described.
In financial discussions, labeling something as expensive is a clear indication of its high price relative to other items in the market or its category. Whereas dear, in the context of cost, might be used more subjectively, indicating that the speaker feels the price is high, possibly more than they're comfortable with or think is reasonable.
Expensive goods and services are often seen as desirable because their high cost can signify superior quality, exclusivity, or a luxury experience. In contrast, calling something dear, in the sense of price, can sometimes hint at a begrudging acceptance of its cost due to the item's perceived necessity or personal value.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Meaning
High monetary cost
Costly or emotionally valuable
Context
Commercial, financial
Emotional, personal, or financial
Connotation
Luxury, quality, high price
Cherished, regret over cost, personal value
Usage in Sentences
"The car is too expensive for me."
"This gift is dear to me." or "That's a dear price to pay."
Emotional Connection
Implies none directly, focuses on financial cost
Strong, either in terms of affection or financial reluctance
Compare with Definitions
Expensive
Beyond one's budget.
I wanted to buy the painting, but it was too expensive.
Dear
Precious in one’s eyes.
The necklace from my grandmother is especially dear to me.
Expensive
Costing a lot of money.
The restaurant is quite expensive, but the food is worth every penny.
Dear
Regarded with deep affection.
My dear friend helped me through tough times.
Expensive
High-priced luxury items.
Expensive watches are not just about telling time, they're a statement.
Dear
Sincerely. in letters or greetings.
Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing to inquire...
Expensive
Relating to high cost of living.
Living in the city center is becoming increasingly expensive.
Dear
At a high cost.
Import duties make foreign cars dear in this country.
Expensive
Associated with high-end brands.
Expensive brands often use premium materials.
Dear
Of high value or importance.
Clean water is dear in arid regions.
Expensive
Requiring a large expenditure; costly.
Dear
Regarded with deep affection
He is very dear to me
A dear friend
Expensive
Marked by high prices
Expensive stores.
Dear
Expensive
Five pounds—that's a bit dear!
Expensive
(obsolete) Given to expending a lot of money; profligate, lavish.
Dear
Used as an affectionate or friendly form of address
Don't you worry, dear
Expensive
Having a high price or cost.
Dear
At a high cost
They buy property cheaply and sell dear
Expensive
(computing) Taking a lot of system time or resources.
An unnecessarily expensive choice of algorithm
Dear
Used in expressions of surprise, dismay, or sympathy
Oh dear, I've upset you
Expensive
Occasioning expense; calling for liberal outlay; costly; dear; liberal; as, expensive dress; an expensive house or family.
War is expensive, and peace desirable.
Dear
Loved and cherished
My dearest friend.
Expensive
Free in expending; very liberal; especially, in a bad sense: extravagant; lavish.
An active, expensive, indefatigable goodness.
The idle and expensive are dangerous.
Dear
Greatly valued; precious
Lost everything dear to them.
Expensive
High in price or charging high prices;
Expensive clothes
An expensive shop
Dear
Highly esteemed or regarded. Used in direct address, especially in salutations
Dear Lee Dawson.
Dear
High-priced; expensive.
Dear
Charging high prices.
Dear
Earnest; ardent
"This good man was a dear lover and constant practicer of angling" (Izaak Walton).
Dear
(Obsolete) Noble; worthy.
Dear
Heartfelt
It is my dearest wish.
Dear
Severe; grievous; sore
Our dearest need.
Dear
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!.
Dear
With fondness; affectionately.
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
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
Common Curiosities
What makes an item expensive?
Items are deemed expensive due to high manufacturing costs, brand value, or quality materials.
Can something be dear without being expensive?
Absolutely, as "dear" can refer to emotional value independent of monetary cost.
Is "expensive" always a negative term?
Not necessarily; it can imply high quality or luxury that justifies the cost.
How does context affect the use of "expensive" and "dear"?
"Expensive" is more common in financial contexts, while "dear" is versatile, used in emotional and financial discussions.
Can "dear" be used to talk about price?
Yes, "dear" can refer to something being of a high price, often implying it's more than what is comfortable or reasonable.
Does "dear" always mean something is costly?
No, "dear" also means something or someone is cherished or beloved.
Are luxury goods always considered expensive?
Typically, yes, because they are associated with high quality, exclusivity, and high cost.
Is "dear" a formal way to address someone?
Yes, it's a formal and affectionate greeting, often used in letters or formal correspondence.
Can something be expensive but not dear?
Yes, if it costs a lot but holds no personal or emotional value to someone.
How do personal values affect perceptions of "dear" and "expensive"?
Personal values can make something dear to an individual regardless of its cost, and influence what one considers expensive.
How do cultural differences influence the use of "expensive" and "dear"?
Cultural values and economic standards can affect how and when these terms are used, reflecting local attitudes towards cost and value.
How can one express that an item is both expensive and dear?
By stating, "This item is expensive and holds a dear place in my heart," combining both cost and emotional value.
Why might someone use "dear" instead of "expensive" in conversation?
To emphasize the personal value or emotional cost, or to imply a lamentation over the high monetary price.
Is it subjective what is considered expensive or dear?
Yes, perceptions of what is expensive or dear vary greatly among individuals based on personal and financial circumstances.
Can "expensive" imply superior quality?
Often, yes; many associate a higher price with better quality, materials, or exclusivity.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
