nearest and dearest

== English == === Etymology === The adjective sense appears to predate the noun sense. === Pronunciation === (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˈnɪəɹɪst (ə)n ˈdɪəɹɪst/ (General American) IPA(key): /ˈnɪɹɪst (ə)n ˈdɪɹɪst/ Hyphenation: near‧est and dear‧est === Adjective === nearest and dearest (superlative form only) Closest, most intimate. ==== Translations ==== === Noun === nearest and dearest pl (plural only) (idiomatic) One's closest and most intimate family members, friends, etc. ==== Translations ====