ENGLISH
REFERENCE

sincerely

adv.
US //sɪnˈsɪɹɫi// UK //sɪnsˈiəli// sin·cere·ly
  1. 1 honestly and genuinely (adv.)
    B1 Intermediate

    in a way that is honest and shows you really mean what you say.

    in a genuine and earnest manner, indicating that the speaker's feelings or intentions are truthful.

    Example

    I sincerely hope that you feel better soon after your surgery.

    Example

    The CEO sincerely apologised for the technical failure, acknowledging the significant disruption it had caused to the company's long-term clients.
  2. 2 letter closing (adv.)
    B1 Intermediate Formal

    a polite way to end a formal letter or email before you sign your name.

    a conventional formulaic closing for formal correspondence, typically used when the recipient is addressed by name.

    Example

    Sincerely, Sarah Jenkins.

    Example

    The candidate concluded the cover letter with 'Sincerely,' followed by his full name and contact information as per the standard professional protocol.

    Usage

    Usually appears as 'Sincerely,' or 'Yours sincerely,' at the very end of a letter.

    Teacher's tip

    While 'Sincerely' is standard in American English for most formal mail, British English traditionally distinguishes between 'Sincerely' (known recipient) and 'Faithfully' (unknown recipient).
    • yours sincerely
    Pitfall
    Sincerely yours, John Smith (to a stranger)
    Yours faithfully, John Smith

    In British English, use 'Sincerely' when you know the person's name and 'Faithfully' when you start with 'Dear Sir/Madam'.

Origin

From sincere + -ly, from Latin sincērus (“pure, clean, sound”).

Idioms1 entry

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