Cordially vs. Sincerely — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 16, 2024
"Cordially" is used to express warm, friendly feelings in communication, whereas "Sincerely" conveys earnestness and genuine intent.
Difference Between Cordially and Sincerely
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Cordially" is typically used in formal invitations and announcements to convey warmth and friendliness. On the other hand, "Sincerely" is more commonly found at the end of formal letters and emails as a polite sign-off that expresses genuine sentiment.
When using "cordially," the sender implies a level of warmth and personal affection, which can be appropriate for social or ceremonial messages. Whereas "Sincerely" implies a level of professionalism and seriousness, making it suitable for business and official communications.
"Cordially" can often give a slightly old-fashioned or ceremonial tone to correspondence. On the other hand, "Sincerely" is viewed as a universally acceptable and modern closing for most types of professional correspondence.
In invitations, "cordially" is often preferred to create an inviting and warm atmosphere. Whereas "Sincerely" is rarely used in invitations as it may come across as too formal or distant.
The choice between these sign-offs can depend on the relationship with the recipient. "Cordially" might be used when the sender has a familiar relationship with the audience, while "Sincerely" is safe for both known and unknown recipients.
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Comparison Chart
Usage Context
Formal invitations
Formal letters, emails
Connotation
Warmth, friendliness
Seriousness, professionalism
Tone
Personal, slightly old-fashioned
Professional, universally acceptable
Common Formats
Invitations, announcements
Business correspondences, official communications
Relationship Implication
Implies familiarity
Suitable for any recipient
Compare with Definitions
Cordially
Sometimes carries an old-fashioned tone.
We cordially await your reply.
Sincerely
Suitable for both known and unknown recipients.
Yours sincerely, John Doe.
Cordially
Often appears in social or ceremonial contexts.
We cordially welcome all guests to celebrate with us.
Sincerely
Commonly found as a sign-off in letters.
I look forward to your response, sincerely.
Cordially
Can suggest a festive or special occasion.
Join us for dinner, cordially at seven.
Sincerely
Used to express genuineness in professional settings.
I sincerely hope we can resolve this matter.
Cordially
Used to express warmth in communication.
You are cordially invited to attend the gala.
Sincerely
Implies honesty and directness.
She spoke sincerely about her experiences.
Cordially
Implies a personal touch in communication.
The committee cordially requests your presence.
Sincerely
Reflects earnestness and formality.
Sincerely, the management team.
Cordially
Warm and sincere; friendly
A cordial welcome.
Very cordial relations.
Sincerely
In a sincere or genuine way
I sincerely hope that we shall have a change of government
A sincerely held belief
Cordially
Polite and respectful; formally pleasant
"He shook my hand, but not warmly.
He was cordial, but not amiable" (Oliver Sacks).
Sincerely
Not feigned or affected; genuine
Sincere indignation.
Cordially
Strongly felt; fervent
A cordial abhorrence of waste.
Sincerely
Being without hypocrisy or pretense; true
A sincere friend.
Cordially
(Archaic) Invigorating; stimulating. Used especially of a beverage.
Sincerely
(Archaic) Pure; unadulterated.
Cordially
A liqueur.
Sincerely
In a sincere or earnest manner; honestly.
I sincerely hope they make it home safely.
Cordially
An invigorating or medicinal drink; a tonic.
Sincerely
(US) A conventional formula for ending a letter, used when the salutation addresses the person for whom the letter is intended by his or her name.
Please consider the proposal carefully and let me know what you decide.
Sincerely,
Fred
Sincerely,
Fred
Cordially
In a cordial, warm or friendly manner.
Sincerely
In a sincere manner.
Cordially
In a cordial manner.
Sincerely
With sincerity; without pretense;
She praised him sincerely for his victory
Was unfeignedly glad to see his old teacher
We are truly sorry for the inconvenience
Cordially
In a hearty manner;
`Yes,' the children chorused heartily
We welcomed her warmly
Sincerely
Written formula for ending a letter
Common Curiosities
Is "sincerely" appropriate for casual emails?
Sincerely is typically too formal for casual emails and better suited for professional or formal contexts.
What type of communication is "cordially" most suitable for?
Cordially is most suitable for formal invitations and social announcements.
How does "sincerely" impact the perception of a professional email?
Using "sincerely" in a professional email helps convey a serious and earnest attitude, reinforcing professionalism.
Can "cordially" be used in business emails?
Cordially can be used in business emails when a warm, welcoming tone is desired, especially in hospitality or event management.
What is the difference in tone between "cordially" and "sincerely"?
"Cordially" conveys warmth and friendliness, while "sincerely" communicates seriousness and professionalism.
Can "cordially" replace "sincerely" in a formal letter?
Cordially is not typically suitable for the closing of a formal letter where "sincerely" is preferred due to its neutral and professional connotation.
How does the use of "cordially" affect the tone of an invitation?
Using "cordially" in an invitation sets a friendly and warm tone, indicating that the event or gathering is both formal and welcoming.
Is "sincerely" used internationally across English-speaking countries?
Yes, "sincerely" is widely used as a formal closing in professional and official correspondence across English-speaking countries.
What implications does using "cordially" have in a professional setting?
In a professional setting, using "cordially" can suggest a special regard or a particularly warm welcome, often used in contexts like professional networking events or formal corporate invitations.
Is "cordially" appropriate for congratulatory messages?
Yes, "cordially" is appropriate and adds a warm, personal touch to congratulatory messages.
When choosing between "cordially" and "sincerely," how does the relationship to the recipient play a role?
The relationship to the recipient is crucial; "cordially" is best used when there is a pre-existing relationship or when trying to foster a warm connection, while "sincerely" is safe and appropriate regardless of how well the sender knows the recipient.
Can "sincerely" be perceived as overly formal in informal communications?
In informal communications, using "sincerely" can indeed come off as overly formal or stiff, making it less suitable than more casual sign-offs.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
