Dictionary

bedear en · VERB

Etymology

From be- + dear.

Meanings

1. (transitive) To make or hold dear; endear.
   • I have been too nice. The coaxing minx, she loves me, cannot hide it, Has but half heart to try. Coy as she is, Her looks are kisses and her voice bedears me, Though she but say "Good day, sir." 1872, Augusta Webster, The auspicious day:
2. (transitive) To say "dear" to; address as "dear".
   • The "dears" had such a hard time of it, that they ended by keeping purposely away from the court-receptions, while, on the other hand, the legion of insignificant people with the von to their name commenced bedearing each other to their hearts content. 1862, Richard Holt Hutton, Walter Bagehot, The National review:
   • Highland had fallen into the habit of casually bedearing Mary when there were people about. "Well, dear," he said, "how about it?" "Oh," she said, "I think it's a lovely place, and so clean and tidy, and the sea, and all — I'd love to stay." 1922, Hearst's international

Forms

Synonyms

appreciate · treasure · think much of · hold dear · prize · appreciate · cherish · value · esteem · prize · bedear · cherish