interjection
dear
Expresses surprise or concern.
Oh dear, the cake has stuck to the pan.
Etymology
The interjection belongs to the same word family as dear meaning valued or beloved, from Old English deore. It became conventional in exclamations such as “oh dear,” expressing distress, concern, or surprise.
More examples
- Dear me, look at the time!
- Oh dear, I forgot the keys.
- Dear, dear, what a mess.
Forms
dear
Similar words
- oh no
- More directly expresses concern or disappointment.