Dearly

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  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]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

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