dearly

Meanings

1. 1
   adv

   at a great cost

   We paid dearly for the food.

2. 2
   adv

   with affection

   I loved them dearly.

3. 3
   adv

   in a sincere and heartfelt manner

   I would dearly love to know

4. 4
   adv

   In a dear or precious manner.

   the funeral of our dearly beloved sister

5. 5
   adv

   In a dear or expensive manner.

   a dearly priced item

6. 6
   adv

   At great expense; dear.

   He paid dearly for his mistake.

Etymology

From Middle English derely, deorliche, from Old English dēorlīċe (“worthily, richly”), equivalent to dear + -ly.