A History of Short Words

From the New York Times Crossword Puzzle

DEAR

Fri, 17 May '24
Treasured
Wed, 20 Mar '24
Pricey
Mon, 26 Feb '24
Start of many a diary entry
Mon, 27 Nov '23
First word of many a letter
Sun, 30 Jul '23
Cherished
Sat, 1 Jul '23
First word in a 13-Across
Thu, 18 May '23
Valued
Thu, 11 May '23
Sweetums
Sun, 24 Jul '22
Loved
Sun, 17 Jul '22
Letter starter
Sun, 19 Jun '22
Hon
Thu, 5 May '22
Much-desired
Mon, 21 Mar '22
Cherished
Tue, 9 Mar '21
Darling
Mon, 15 Feb '21
Letter starter