Crossword Genius

Is he dear to a correspondent? (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sir

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'a correspondent?' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'is he dear' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'he' could be 'si' and 'si' is present in the answer.
A single letter 'r' remains which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'to' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for sir that I've seen before include "Way to address gentleman" , "Title of knight or baronet" , "address to teacher" , "Male title of respect" , "Knight's prefix" .)

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