Dearie is a friendly word you call someone, like a soft dear: Come in, dearie. Never mind, dearie. It often sounds British, and it often sounds older — a grandparent, a kind neighbour, a character in a story. From the right person it is warm. From a stranger, or said with a little sigh, it can feel as if they think you are small, slow, or in the way, even if they smile. Young people rarely use it to friends; they are more likely to hear it than to say it. It is informal spoken English, not a word for essays. Though actually, it is not as close as dearest. Dearest is for someone you love. Dearie is milder, more “there, there,” and that is why it can comfort and also sting. The -ie ending makes it small and familiar, like sweetie.