Literary notes about dear (AI summary)
The term "dear" in literature carries a remarkable duality, acting both as an expression of affectionate address and as a marker of high value or cost. In conversational contexts, authors use it to convey intimacy or gentle reproach, addressing loved ones, friends, or even children with warmth—as seen when a character reassures or chides a companion [1], [2], [3]—or when a writer directly involves the reader in a familiar tone [4]. At the same time, "dear" can denote something costly or invaluable, highlighting emotional or monetary expense [5], [6], [7]. This versatility enables writers from various periods—from Frosted expressions in romantic couplets [8] and familial terms [9] to practical addresses in everyday dialogue [10]—to enrich their character interactions with layered meaning.
- “No, my dear, no,” said he, with a forced smile, “I only interrupt your meditations.”
— from Evelina, Or, the History of a Young Lady's Entrance into the World by Fanny Burney - "My dear Miss Summerson," said he, shaking his head pleasantly, "I don't know.
— from Bleak House by Charles Dickens - Never you mind, my dear: it’s only a motherly kiss.
— from Mrs. Warren's Profession by Bernard Shaw - My dear reader, I am afraid I shall tire you with my Indian stories; but you must bear with me patiently whilst I give you a few more.
— from Roughing It in the Bush by Susanna Moodie - But 'tis very happy for Sir Roger that the Merchant paid so dear for his Ambition.
— from The Declaration of Independence of the United States of America by Thomas Jefferson - The weary sailors were approaching a place dear to the goddess Diana.
— from The Declaration of Independence of the United States of America by Thomas Jefferson - The scarcity of a dear year, by diminishing the demand for labour, tends to lower its price, as the high price of provisions tends to raise it.
— from An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith - In thy sweet love a special share: Dear as my life, O let them be Like brother and like son to thee.
— from The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse by Valmiki - My dear Pamela, said she, and kissed me, I don't know how I should act, or what I should think.
— from Pamela, or Virtue Rewarded by Samuel Richardson - ‘Indifferent, my dear sir,’ returned Mr. Micawber, sighing.
— from David Copperfield by Charles Dickens
