Basic Details
Word: Dear
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Loved or cherished; also used as a polite way to address someone.
Synonyms: Beloved, cherished, valued
Antonyms: Unloved, despised, cheap
Idioms and Phrases
- Dear to my heart: Someone or something that is very important to you. Example: "Her friendship is dear to my heart and I cherish it every day."
- Cost a pretty penny: Something that is very expensive. Example: "That new car will cost a pretty penny, but its really dear to him."
Usage Examples
Example 1: My dear grandmother always tells the best stories from her childhood.
Example 2: It is dear to me that we spend time together as a family every weekend.
Example 3: She loves her dear little puppy, who keeps her company all day.
Fun Fact
The word "dear" comes from the Old English word "deore," which means "precious" or "valuable." It reflects the importance of something or someone in our lives.
Famous Quote
"How dear to me my native soil, my home, my country." - Cicero
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "dear" mean?
a) Ordinary
b) Loved or cherished
c) Unwanted
d) Unknown
Answer: b) Loved or cherished
2. Which of these is a synonym of "dear"?
a) Despised
b) Beloved
c) Cheap
d) Unknown
Answer: b) Beloved
3. Which of the following is an antonym of "dear"?
a) Valued
b) Cherished
c) Unloved
d) Precious
Answer: c) Unloved
4. Which sentence uses "dear" correctly?
a) The dear book was very boring to him.
b) My dear friend is coming to visit this weekend.
c) The dear cake was eaten quickly.
d) It was a dear day outside with lots of rain.
Answer: b) My dear friend is coming to visit this weekend.
5. What does the idiom "dear to my heart" mean?
a) Someone important to you
b) Someone you do not care for
c) A costly item
d) A funny story
Answer: a) Someone important to you
