B2adverbemotionsrelationships
US/ˈdɪr.li/
UK/ˈdɪə.li/
very much, or at a high cost
In context
She loved her grandmother dearly and visited her every Sunday.
The company paid dearly for ignoring the safety warnings.
We would dearly like to see you at the wedding next month.
Words that go with dearly
verb + adverb
- love dearlyHe loved his dog dearly and cried when it died.
- pay dearlyYou will pay dearly for that mistake.
- miss dearlyWe miss our old neighbors dearly.
adverb + adjective
- dearly belovedWe are gathered here, dearly beloved, to celebrate this day.
- dearly departedThey said a prayer for their dearly departed friend.
adverb + verb
- would dearly likeI would dearly like to visit Japan someday.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
I bought this shirt dearly.Correct: I bought this shirt at a high price.