Can I Say Dearest?

The standard way in English to start a letter is "Dear [person's name]", even when the person you're writing to is a complete stranger. We'd only use "Dearest ...", as you say, to a very close friend or member of our family.

Is it proper to say dearest?

Dearest is often used to refer to someone who is very close to you, like a lover or your best friend, so don't use it unless you really like Martha a lot. [Introductory word] [Name], Since you already introduced your letter with Dearest Martha, there is no need to use hi.

How do I use dearest?

When you are writing to someone you are very fond of, you can use dearest at the beginning of the letter before the person's name or the word you are using to address them. Dearest Maria, Aren't I terrible, not coming back like I promised?