dear me

English

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ˌdɪəˈmiː/

Interjection

dear me

1. An expression of surprise, dismay, or indulgent disapproval.
   • 1915, Arthur Conan Doyle, The Valley of Fear:

     "Dear me, Mr. Holmes. Dear me!" said this singular epistle. There was neither superscription nor signature. I laughed at the quaint message; but Holmes showed unwonted seriousness.

   • 1922, Virginia Woolf, chapter 2, in Jacob's Room:

     "Dear me," said Mrs. Flanders, when she read in the Scarborough and Harrogate Courier that the Rev. Andrew Floyd, etc., etc., had been made Principal of Maresfield House, "that must be our Mr. Floyd."

Synonyms

• (expression of surprise): See Thesaurus:wow
• (expression of dismay): See Thesaurus:dammit
• (expression of disapproval): See Thesaurus:tut tut

Translations

good heavens — see good heavens

Anagrams

• Madere, Maeder, Meader, dreame, meader, read me, readme, reamed, remade