dearness

Concise Oxford English Dictionary © 2008 Oxford University Press:
dear/dɪə(r)/

▶adjective

• 1 regarded with deep affection.

  ■ endearing; sweet.

  ■ used in the polite introduction to a letter.

• 2 chiefly Brit. expensive.

▶noun used as an affectionate form of address.

■ an endearing person.

▶adverb chiefly Brit. at a high cost. ▶exclamation used in expressions of surprise, dismay, or sympathy.

– derivatives
dearness noun.

– origin OE dēore, of Gmc origin.