Salutation vs. Valediction — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 8, 2024
Salutation initiates communication with greetings like "Dear" or "Hello", whereas valediction concludes it with phrases such as "Sincerely" or "Best regards".
Difference Between Salutation and Valediction
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A salutation is used at the beginning of a communication, typically in emails, letters, or spoken greetings, setting the tone of the message. On the other hand, a valediction appears at the end, aiming to leave a respectful or friendly last impression.
Salutations often include titles and the recipient’s name, enhancing formality and personal connection, while valedictions may include a thank you, reinforcing gratitude or courtesy.
The choice of salutation can reflect the level of professionalism or intimacy, such as "Dear Mr. Smith" versus "Hi John". Conversely, valedictions can signal the end of a conversation or a continuation, like "Looking forward to your reply".
In professional settings, salutations help clarify the purpose of the communication, such as "To Whom It May Concern", whereas valedictions, like "Regards" or "Yours faithfully", can reflect the sender's wishes or emotions towards the receiver.
Salutations are adaptable to various contexts and languages, often culturally specific, whereas valedictions, although also culturally varied, primarily focus on bidding farewell or ending a conversation.
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Comparison Chart
Position in text
Beginning
End
Purpose
To greet and engage
To conclude and express goodwill
Common phrases
"Dear", "Hello", "Hi"
"Best regards", "Sincerely", "Yours truly"
Variability
High, based on formality and relationship
Less variable, often formal
Cultural importance
High, dictates social and professional etiquette
High, reinforces politeness and respect
Compare with Definitions
Salutation
A greeting in a letter or other written or non-written communication.
The salutation in her letter was unusually warm.
Valediction
The act of saying farewell.
His valediction was brief but heartfelt.
Salutation
The word or phrase used at the beginning of a conversation or speech.
His salutation was cheerful and welcoming.
Valediction
A word or phrase used to end a conversation.
His usual valediction was “Take care”.
Salutation
Official recognition or a formal greeting.
The ceremony opened with a salutation from the dean.
Valediction
An expression used to convey goodbye.
The valediction at the airport was tearful.
Salutation
An expression of good wishes.
The card bore a salutation for a happy birthday.
Valediction
A closing line in a letter before the signature.
She always ended her letters with the same valediction: “Yours sincerely”.
Salutation
A respectful or polite acknowledgment.
He nodded his head in salutation.
Valediction
Parting words or a farewell speech.
The graduation valediction was given by the class valedictorian.
Salutation
A salutation is a greeting used in a letter or other written or non-written communication. Salutations can be formal or informal.
Valediction
A valediction (derivation from Latin vale dicere, "to say farewell"), or complimentary close in American English, is an expression used to say farewell, especially a word or phrase used to end a letter or message, or a speech made at a farewell.Valediction's counterpart is a greeting called a salutation.
Salutation
A polite expression of greeting or goodwill.
Valediction
An act of bidding farewell; a leave-taking.
Salutation
Salutations Greetings indicating respect and affection; regards.
Valediction
A speech or statement made as a farewell.
Salutation
A gesture of greeting, such as a bow or kiss.
Valediction
A word or phrase of farewell used to end a letter or message.
Salutation
A word or phrase of greeting used to begin a letter or message.
Valediction
A speech made when leaving or parting company.
Salutation
A greeting, salute, or address; a hello.
Valediction
The act of parting company.
Salutation
The act of greeting.
Valediction
A word or phrase (such as adieu or farewell) said upon leaving.
Salutation
(obsolete) Quickening; excitement.
Valediction
A word or phrase used to end a letter or message.
Salutation
The act of saluting, or paying respect or reverence, by the customary words or actions; the act of greeting, or expressing good will or courtesy; also, that which is uttered or done in saluting or greeting.
In all public meetings or private addresses, use those forms of salutation, reverence, and decency usual amongst the most sober persons.
Woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets.
When Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb.
I shall not trouble my reader with the first salutes of our three friends.
Valediction
A farewell; a bidding farewell.
Salutation
An act of honor or courteous recognition;
A musical salute to the composer on his birthday
Valediction
A farewell oration delivered by the most outstanding member of a graduating class
Salutation
(usually plural) an acknowledgment or expression of good will (especially on meeting)
Valediction
The act of saying farewell
Salutation
Word of greeting used to begin a letter
Common Curiosities
Is it necessary to use a valediction in all types of written communication?
While not always mandatory, it is courteous to conclude with a valediction.
How do salutations vary across cultures?
Salutations can vary significantly, reflecting formality and cultural norms.
What is a common valediction in professional emails?
Common professional valedictions include "Regards" or "Sincerely".
Can the salutation affect the outcome of a letter?
Yes, an appropriate salutation can engage the reader positively.
Why is choosing the right salutation important?
It shows respect and awareness of the recipient’s status or your relationship.
What are some examples of informal valedictions?
Examples include "Cheers", "Best", and "See ya".
What is the importance of a proper salutation in business emails?
It sets the tone for the communication and can influence the reader’s perception.
Is it ever appropriate to omit a salutation or valediction?
In very casual or brief exchanges, it might be acceptable to omit them.
What might a formal salutation look like?
Formal salutations include "Dear Mr./Mrs." followed by the surname.
Do salutations and valedictions need to match in tone?
Matching tone in salutations and valedictions helps maintain consistency in communication.
How do valedictions reflect the writer’s feelings?
They often encapsulate the sender’s feelings or attitudes toward the interaction.
Are salutations used in all forms of communication?
Yes, in most forms, although the format may vary (e.g., spoken, written).
What is a typical valediction in informal emails?
Informal valedictions can be simply "Thanks" or "Talk soon".
How can a valediction influence the closing of a conversation?
It can ensure the conversation ends on a positive note, affecting subsequent interactions.
How do salutations help in setting communication expectations?
They often indicate the level of formality and type of response expected.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-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.
