Entry 2 senses Webster, 1913 Dearness · Dear·ness · IPA /ˈdɪə(ɹ)nəs/ 01 n. The quality or state of being dear; costliness; excess of price. 1. The quality or state of being dear; costliness; excess of price. “The dearness of corn.” — Swift. 2. Fondness; preciousness; love; tenderness. “The dearness of friendship.” — Bacon.