How to Pronounce Dear

To pronounce "dear", say DEAR — one syllable, IPA /diːɹ/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

dear

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

4

Letters

/diːɹ/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “dear”

"dear" is a single-syllable word — say it in one clean beat. It rhymes with austere and sneer, if that helps it stick.

Sounds exactly like: deer, deere — easy to mix up when writing.

What does dear mean?

noun

  1. A very kind, loving person.

    “My cousin is such a dear, always drawing me pictures.”

  2. A beloved person.

verb

  1. To endear.

adjective

  1. High in price; expensive.

    “The dearer the jewel, the greater the love expressed.”

  2. Loved; lovable.

Synonyms

darling

Hear “dear” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with dear

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

austeresneerjeercavalierclearseverepeerqueerpremierchevalierinsincereadhere

Related words

priceypricycostlyhigh-pricedexpensiveheartfeltaffectionatelyearnest

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "dear"?▾

"Dear" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "dear"?▾

The IPA transcription of "dear" is /diːɹ/.

What does "dear" mean?▾

Dear: A very kind, loving person.

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