dearly

2 definitions found

dearly - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Dearly \Dear"ly\, adv.
     1. In a dear manner; with affection; heartily; earnestly; as,
        to love one dearly.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. At a high rate or price; grievously.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              He buys his mistress dearly with his throne.
                                                    --Dryden.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     3. Exquisitely. [Obs.] --Shak.
        [1913 Webster]

dearly - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  dearly
      adv 1: in a sincere and heartfelt manner; "I would dearly love
             to know" [syn: dearly, in a heartfelt way]
      2: at a great cost; "he paid dearly for the food"; "this cost
         him dear" [syn: dearly, dear]
      3: with affection; "she loved him dearly"; "he treats her
         affectionately" [syn: dearly, affectionately, dear]