Cheap vs. Dear: What's the Difference?
Copy edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on September 27, 2023
Cheap and Dear refer to the cost of something; while "cheap" implies low cost, "dear" signifies high cost or value.
Key Differences
Cheap is a term that, in the context of pricing, refers to something that doesn't require much expenditure or is of low cost. Conversely, Dear, when discussing cost, denotes something that requires a considerable amount of money or is of high value.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
In colloquial language, calling something "cheap" might imply that it's of lesser quality, lacking durability or craftsmanship. On the other hand, labeling something as "dear" could suggest that it holds significant importance or value to someone, either monetarily or sentimentally.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
From an emotional standpoint, "cheap" can be used figuratively to describe someone who's stingy, miserly, or lacking in generosity. In stark contrast, "dear" can refer to someone or something cherished, beloved, or held in high regard, showcasing the depth of personal connection.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
When we think of purchases, a "cheap" item might be enticing for those looking to save money, but there might be reservations about its longevity or performance. However, a "dear" item, with its connotations of high cost, might be seen as an investment or a luxury, indicating superior quality or desirability.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Beyond the financial and emotional contexts, "cheap" and "dear" can be used in various expressions and idioms. For instance, "talk is cheap" means actions are more meaningful than words, whereas "hold someone dear" means to deeply cherish or love someone.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Quality Connotation
Possibly of lesser quality.
Indicative of high value or importance.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Purchase Implication
Enticing due to low cost but possibly of questionable longevity.
Seen as an investment or luxury; desirable.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 27, 2023
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Cheap and Dear Definitions
Cheap
Cheap (cost): Costing little money or less than expected.
I found a cheap flight to New York.
Janet White
Sep 27, 2023
Dear
Dear (costly): Costing a lot; expensive.
That designer bag is too dear for me.
Sara Rehman
Sep 27, 2023
Cheap
Cheap (quality): Of lesser quality or inferior.
The cheap toy broke within days.
Harlon Moss
Sep 27, 2023
Dear
Dear (beloved): Loved or cherished.
My dear grandmother always told the best stories.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
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Dear
Dear (polite address): A polite form of address.
Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing to inquire about...
Aimie Carlson
Sep 27, 2023
Dear
Highly esteemed or regarded. Used in direct address, especially in salutations
Dear Lee Dawson.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 28, 2023
Dear
Earnest; ardent
"This good man was a dear lover and constant practicer of angling" (Izaak Walton).
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 28, 2023
Dear
Used as a polite exclamation, chiefly of surprise or distress
Oh dear.
Dear me.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 28, 2023
Dear
(UK) High in price; expensive.
The dearer the jewel, the greater the love expressed.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 28, 2023
Cheap
Underhand or unfair.
The cheap trick of hiding deadly lava under pushable blocks
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 28, 2023
Dear
Loving, affectionate, heartfelt
Such dear embrace tenderly comforts even in this dear sorrow.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 28, 2023
Cheap
Stingy; mean; excessively frugal.
Insurance is expensive, but don't be so cheap that you risk losing your home because of a fire.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 28, 2023
Dear
Precious to or greatly valued by someone.
The dearer the giver, the dearer the trinket he brings!
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 28, 2023
Cheap
(finance) Trading at a price level which is low relative to historical trends, a similar asset, or (for derivatives) a theoretical value.
The ETF is trading cheap to NAV right now; we can arb this by buying the ETF and selling the underlying constituents.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 28, 2023
Dear
A formal way to start (possibly after my) addressing somebody at the beginning of a letter, memo etc.
Dear Sir/Madam/Miss, please notice our offices will be closed during the following bank holidays:nb....
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 28, 2023
Cheap
To trade; traffic; bargain; chaffer; ask the price of goods; cheapen goods.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 28, 2023
Dear
A formal way to start (often after my) addressing somebody one likes or regards kindly.
My dear friend, I feel better as soon as you come sit beside my sickbed!
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 28, 2023
Cheap
To bargain for; chaffer for; ask the price of; offer a price for; cheapen.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 28, 2023
Dear
An ironic way to start (often after my) addressing an inferior.
My dear boy, if your grades don't pick up I won't bounce you on, but over my knee!
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 28, 2023
Dear
(obsolete) Fierce.
The Christens found the heathens dear, as the lion doth the bear.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 28, 2023
Cheap
A bargain; a purchase; cheapness.
The sack that thou hast drunk me would have bought me lights as good cheap at the dearest chandler's in Europe.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 28, 2023
Dear
A very kind, loving person.
My little cousin is such a dear, always drawing me pictures.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 28, 2023
Cheap
Having a low price in market; of small cost or price, as compared with the usual price or the real value.
Where there are a great sellers to a few buyers, there the thing to be sold will be cheap.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 28, 2023
Cheap
Of comparatively small value; common; mean.
You grow cheap in every subject's eye.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 28, 2023
Dear
An affectionate, familiar term of address, such as used between husband and wife.
Pass me the salt, would you dear?
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 28, 2023
Cheap
Relatively low in price or charging low prices;
It would have been cheap at twice the price
Inexpensive family restaurants
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 28, 2023
Cheap
Tastelessly showy;
A flash car
A flashy ring
Garish colors
A gaudy costume
Loud sport shirts
A meretricious yet stylish book
Tawdry ornaments
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 28, 2023
Dear
(dated) Indicating surprise, pity, or disapproval.
Dear, dear! Whatever were they thinking?
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 28, 2023
Dear
Bearing a high price; high-priced; costly; expensive.
The cheapest of us is ten groats too dear.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 28, 2023
Dear
Marked by scarcity or dearth, and exorbitance of price; as, a dear year.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 28, 2023
Cheap
Cheap (behavior): Stingy or miserly in nature.
Don't be cheap; tip the waiter generously.
Sara Rehman
Sep 27, 2023
Dear
Highly valued; greatly beloved; cherished; precious.
Neither count I my life dear unto myself.
And the last joy was dearer than the rest.
Dear as remember'd kisses after death.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 28, 2023
Cheap
Cheap (figuratively): Lacking value or sincerity.
His apologies always felt cheap and insincere.
Sara Rehman
Sep 27, 2023
Dear
Hence, close to the heart; heartfelt; present in mind; engaging the attention.
[I'll] leave you to attend him: some dear causeWill in concealment wrap me up awhile.
His dearest wish was to escape from the bustle and glitter of Whitehall.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 28, 2023
Cheap
Cheap (easily obtained): Easily achieved without effort.
His victory seemed cheap as he didn't face strong opponents.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 27, 2023
Dear
Of disagreeable things and antipathies.
In our dear peril.
Would I had met my dearest foe in heavenOr ever I had seen that day.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 28, 2023
Dear
With or in a close or intimate relationship;
A good friend
My sisters and brothers are near and dear
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 28, 2023
Dear
Earnest;
One's dearest wish
Devout wishes for their success
Heartfelt condolences
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 28, 2023
Dear
Having a high price;
Costly jewelry
High-priced merchandise
Much too dear for my pocketbook
A pricey restaurant
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 28, 2023
Dear
Dear (highly valued): Held in high regard or esteem.
Time with family is dear to me.
Harlon Moss
Sep 27, 2023
Dear
Dear (grave or serious): With serious or grave implications.
The consequences of his actions were dear.
Janet White
Sep 27, 2023
FAQs
Is something "cheap" always of poor quality?
No, but "cheap" can imply lesser quality in some contexts.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Can "Dear" refer to something expensive?
Yes, "dear" can denote something that is costly or of high value.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Does "Dear" always refer to monetary value?
No, "dear" can also mean cherished, beloved, or a polite form of address.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
How is "dear" used in a letter?
It's a polite form of address, as in "Dear Sir/Madam."
Janet White
Sep 27, 2023
Can "cheap" describe a person's behavior?
Yes, it can imply someone is stingy or miserly.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Does "cheap" always mean affordable?
Generally, but it can also refer to quality, value, or sincerity.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Can "cheap" refer to an easy victory?
Yes, if a victory required little effort, it might be called "cheap."
Sara Rehman
Sep 27, 2023
What's an idiom involving "cheap"?
"Talk is cheap" means actions speak louder than words.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Is "Dear" used in formal correspondence?
Yes, it's a common way to address recipients in letters.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
What is the primary financial meaning of Cheap?
Referring to something of low cost or expenditure.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Is a "cheap thrill" costly?
No, it refers to simple pleasures that don't cost much or require effort.
Sara Rehman
Sep 27, 2023
How is "dear" related to emotions?
It can describe someone/something that is loved or cherished.
Janet White
Sep 27, 2023
Can "dear" refer to seriousness?
Yes, as in the phrase "the cost was dear," meaning the consequences were serious.
Janet White
Sep 27, 2023
Can "dear" be used endearingly?
Yes, as in addressing someone close to you: "my dear friend."
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Between "cheap" and "dear," which has a broader emotional context?
"Dear" has a broader emotional context, from love to high regard to seriousness.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 27, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Copy edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
