'dearly' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'dēorlice,' where 'dēor' meant 'precious' and '-lice' was an adverbial suffix.

'dēorlice' transformed into the Middle English word 'deerly,' and eventually became the modern English word 'dearly'.

Initially, it meant 'preciously' or 'at a high price,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.