1. (

• dearly ,
• in_a_heartfelt_way

) in a sincere and heartfelt manner; "I would dearly love to know" ;

2. (

• dearly ,
• dear

) at a great cost; "he paid dearly for the food"; "this cost him dear" ;

3. (

• dearly ,
• affectionately ,
• dear ,

) with affection; "she loved him dearly"; "he treats her affectionately" ;