deary
/'diəri/ Cách viết khác : (dearie) /'diəri/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A term of endearment used to address or refer to a person who is loved, cherished, or considered special. It often conveys affection, fondness, or a close, caring relationship.
Usage
"Deary" (also spelled "dearie") is used as a familiar and affectionate form of address, typically for someone younger, a loved one, or in a kindly, sometimes patronizing, manner. It is more common in informal, spoken English and can be used by an older person to a younger one or between close individuals.
Examples
- "Don't worry, deary, everything will be alright," said the kind old woman.
- She always signs her letters to her granddaughter with "Love, your old deary."
- "Come here, deary, and let me look at you," the grandmother cooed.
Advanced Usage
- Patronizing or Condescending Tone: In some contexts, especially when used by a stranger, "deary" can sound patronizing or dismissive, implying the speaker sees the listener as naive or inferior.
- "You don't understand how things work, deary," he said with a condescending smile.
Variants and Related Words
- Dearie: An alternative spelling of "deary." The meaning and usage are identical.
- Dear: The root word, which can function as an adjective (beloved, precious) or a noun/form of address (my dear).
- Darling: A similar term of endearment, often with a more romantic or intimate connotation.
- Sweetheart: Another common term of endearment for a loved one.
Synonyms
- Darling
- Sweetheart
- Honey
- Love (as a form of address, e.g., "It's okay, love.")
- Pet (regional, e.g., UK "How are you, pet?")
Related Idioms
- There, there, deary: A comforting phrase used to soothe someone who is upset.
- "There, there, deary, don't cry," she whispered, offering a hug.