Why do we start letters with "dear"?

Question

me and my friend write letters to each other and we pondered the question: Why do we start letters with "dear"?    I know this is, Just how things are, but like who started it and WHY the word "dear"? why not use another word. anyways just pondering the origin of using Dear in letter-writing. thanks!!

Free_spirit · Accepted Answer

Hi,

According to the http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=dear : "As a polite introductory word to letters, it is attested from mid-15c."

It is a formal and polite way to address someone. When writing to friends I usually just say "Hi". Sometimes I will just start the letter (generally email) with their name: "John, how's things?"

Anonymous · Answer

ok i get that it's polite and stuff... but what is the Origin? like why the word "dear"? why can't it be another thing? who decided lets use dear?

Anonymous · Answer

The philological meaning of the word dear dates back to Latin. The word Charity is defined by Google as, "late Old English (in the sense ‘Christian love of one's fellows’): from Old French charite, from Latin caritas, from carus‘dear.’" It must mean a form of Christian love, benevolent goodwill, generosity or helpfulness.

Irish FrancHanoi · Answer

What most people don't realise is that originally, "Dear Michael" (for example) was the actual 'address' (as in: "How did you address the Bishop?" "I usually referred to him as My Lord.")

It wasn't until urban adresses were properly codified that senders started to refer to the full name, house number, street name, district, city, country etc. as "the name and address".

Other addresses might include Master (for those over 13 (maybe) and under 18), Mister, Miss, Mrs., Mr., My Lord, My Lady, Your Excellency, Your Highness, Your Majesty etc. etc. These addresses remained in vogue long after the decline of the aristocracy in various cuntries, particularly in countries wishing to retain a romantic attachment to their past or to conjure up a respectability (Esquire) and suggest that an attainment of the rank of "gentleman". So many of these addresses originated in old aristocratic or the feudal system (traces of which can still be found in land law, but which are rapidly disappearing).

The address would often be embellished by calligraphy if it was a letter on a special occasion (for example if the eldest son on a loved or respected landlord reached the age of manhood, the tenants would often get together and pay for an embellished address to be presented (often guilded with gold leaf or expensive dye or inks).

The address is not to be confused with a salutation which was the greeting which would follow the address (Address: Dear Mister Smyth,.Salutation: We hope that this letter finds you in your usual splendid health...) but nowadays such a salutation would be considered sychophantic and overly flattering.

So is there a real function of 'Dear' etc.? Yes, though in such a state of decline except in heraldic circles, they are now considered largely anachronistic and old-fashioned. The distinction would often be very subtle in connection with the tone or intent of the letter ("Dear Mr Smyth,", "My Dear Mr Smyth,", "Smyth,", "Dear John", "My Dear John,", "My Dearest John," etc.

Are they being replaced? In business or formal letters, no, not really. In informal letters definitely.

Anonymous · Answer

I think it comes from the Christian view that everyone is a child of *** and we are called to love the other person known or unknown to me. We are all brother/ sisters in Christ. Children of one Father, ***. So everyone should be dear to me and putting it at the front of a greeting or letter reminds me /us of this.

That is my thoughts on the matter.

Anonymous

That is my thoughts on the matter.

Anonymous

Anonymous · Answer

Not an expert, but honestly it makes me cringe when someone calls me dear while I barely know them. The meaning of the word has morphed to something quite intimate which I am uncomfortable dishing out ***** nilly.

Starting with Hi/Hello is much more natural, honestly I just go Sir/Madam and start the letter.

Anonymous · Answer

~~me and my friend~~ How is this acceptable on an English Forum?

The only time me and my friend is used to start a sentence is if you are referring to us. Since you can’t replace me and my friend by us, it’s grammatically incorrect .

Anonymous · Answer

anonymous me and my friend write letters to each other and we pondered the question: Why do we start letters with "dear"? I know this is, Just how things are, but like who started it and WHY the word "dear"? why not use another word. anyways just pondering the origin of using Dear in letter-writing. thanks!!

Archie Ben Jouda · Answer

To me it is the recognition of the each other’s dignity. Young or old, rich or poor we each get the same address in recognition of each of our inherent dignity as children of ***. It should be a reminder to us of who we are talking to, a child of ***, a brother or sister and how we should treat the person we are communicating with, with respect.

Why do we start letters with "dear"?

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