What is the meaning of dear?

noun

• A beloved person; used as terms of endearment.
  • synonyms: beloved, dearest, honey, love
• A sweet innocent mild-mannered person (especially a child.
  • synonyms: lamb

adjective

• Dearly loved.
  • synonyms: beloved, darling
• With or in a close or intimate relationship.
  • usage: "a good friend"; "my sisters and brothers are near and dear"
  • synonyms: good, near
• Earnest.
  • usage: "one's dearest wish"; "devout wishes for their success"; "heartfelt condolences"
  • synonyms: devout, earnest, heartfelt
• Having a high price.
  • usage: "costly jewelry"; "high-priced merchandise"; "much too dear for my pocketbook"; "a pricey restaurant"
  • synonyms: costly, high-priced, pricey, pricy

adverb

• With affection.
  • usage: "she loved him dearly"; "he treats her affectionately"
  • synonyms: dearly, affectionately
• At a great cost.
  • usage: "he paid dearly for the food"; "this cost him dear"
  • synonyms: dearly