What is the meaning of my dear?

3. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun] You use dear in expressions such as ‘my dear fellow’, ‘dear girl’, or ‘my dear Richard’ when you are addressing someone whom you know and are fond of. You can also use expressions like this in a rude way to indicate that you think you are superior to the person you are addressing.

Is my dear Patronising?

Language which refers to people unknown to you in terms of endearment (‘My dear’, ‘Darling’, ‘Love’, and ‘Dear’ when used in speech) is patronising, condescending and promotes trivialisation. These forms should not be used unless the interlocutor has a close relationship with the speaker.

Is dear a term of endearment?

Dear/dearie This is another old term of endearment, dating back to at least the early 14th Century. It comes from the Old English deore meaning precious, valuable, costly, loved, beloved. It’s believed that this is a shortening of dear one, which has been used as a term of affection to begin letters since the 1500s.

What is the difference between dear and my dear?

The difference between ‘dear’ and ‘my dear + a noun’ is that the former is used when you speak to someone you love or greatly like whereas the latter is used when you address someone who you love or greatly like.

What does dear mean in texting?

“Drop Everything and Read” is the most common definition for DEAR on Snapchat, WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. DEAR. Definition: Drop Everything and Read.

Is dear a romantic word?

It means they like you or love you. It is a term of affection. Something that is dear to a person is something of value. Dear was used first as a salutation by a man named Valentine, would you believe when writing to his lover.

Is Dear condescending?

Most people don’t have an issue with a loved one or a good friend calling them sweetheart/hon/dear. It’s usually only considered offensive or condescending when it comes from strangers of different genders and it’s also usually about context too.

What is the difference between dear and love?

As nouns the difference between love and dear is that love is money while dear is a very kind, loving person.

What is the difference between love and dear?

Is DEAR an offensive term?

It certainly doesn’t sound disrespectful. It’s just a friendly greeting. Using a term of endearment in person is really quite different to addressing someone on an internet forum as “my dear” or even just “dear”.

How do you respond to dear?

If the other person always uses “dear”, then so do you. If they begin their reply to you with “hi,” then follow suit.

Is Dear romantic?

It means they like you or love you. It is a term of affection. Something that is dear to a person is something of value.

What does it mean when someone calls you dear?

The thing to realize is that anyone can call anyone or anything “dear”. It can be a term of condescension, though. What “dear” means, in speech, depends on intonation and context. At face value it is a term of endearment.

Do you start a letter with Dear customer or Dear occupier?

Starting a letter with “Dear Valued Customer”, “Dear Customer” or “Dear Occupier” is not the way to show customers that you care. If you really want to show that you value a customer, use their name. I know that it can be tempting to bulk print letters in advance, but try to avoid this if you can.

What do you call your clients?

Most commonly, this involves calling the client “Hon,” “Dear,” or “Sweetie,” and/or commenting on how cute he or she looks (often several times). It makes me uncomfortable. I just don’t appreciate seeing these wonderful and dignified older adults, who have a wealth of life experience,…

What does it mean when a girl says Dear Alice?

At face value it is a term of endearment. It means that she likes you or, at least, would like you to like her in some way. It’s like when you start a letter: “Dear Alice;” it just means that the letter is intended to be friendly in tone towards this “Alice” person.