dear
nounA person who is loved very much.
adjectiveLoved or cared about very much.
adjectiveCosting a lot of money.
adjectiveA way to speak to someone kindly at the start of a letter.
nounA friendly word you call someone you like.
interjectionA word you say when you are surprised or upset.
Syllables
1 syllable
Letters
Phonics breakdown
Phonics Rule: Letter D
The letter D makes the /d/ sound, like in 'dog', 'day', and 'dig'. The tongue tip touches behind the upper teeth.
D is a voiced alveolar stop. The tongue tip touches the ridge just behind the upper front teeth, then releases with voice. It reliably makes the /d/ sound in almost all positions.
Tip
D is for dog — and dog starts with /d/!
Examples
Phonics Rule: EAR says /ɪər/
EAR usually makes the /ɪər/ sound, like in 'ear', 'hear', and 'near'.
EAR most often says /ɪər/ (the 'ear' sound): ear, hear, near, year, clear, dear, fear.
Tip
Hear with your ear — hear, near, year!
Examples
What is SnapPhonics?
A phonics reference for teachers, parents and learners. Every English word, broken into the sounds that make it — with audio, syllables, and the rule behind each spelling.
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