cordially

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'cordially' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when conveying warm, friendly and respectful greetings, best wishes, or farewells. For example: "We thank you cordially for coming and hope you enjoyed your visit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A new burlesque played at the Court Theatre on Wednesday night owes an attraction, which is said to have been cordially appreciated by the audience, to the circumstance of its including vivid caricatures of Mr. Gladstone, Mr. Lowe, and Mr. Ayrton among the characters represented.

The Guardian

For a few moments the absurdity of the situation overwhelmed the seriousness; and if it wasn't quite football between the trenches at Christmas, the meeting ended cordially, with both sides recognising the difficulties of the other.

The Guardian

(Loud cheers).Christopher Rawdon, Esq., most sincerely wished that he could add anything in the way of novelty or strength to the arguments adduced in favour of the cause which they were assembled to support, but as he could not do so, he would content himself with most cordially seconding the resolution.The Chairman then put the resolution, and declared it to be carried unanimously.

The Economist

His biggest bonus is the unpopularity of the current government, led by Mikulas Dzurinda, who has taken some of the tough economic decisions urged on him by friends in the West and is cordially disliked as a result.

The Economist

Moreover, the two leaders cordially detest each other.

The Economist

As to the question of, "the nature of political discourse in the country", I am of the firm belief that there is an immediate and present need for us to bring civil discourse back into civic discussion.I well remember when, both nationally and here in the Arizona legislature, the political tone was far more civil, and members of both parties were friends who treated each other cordially.

The Economist

After performing in Disney World he answers a few questions cordially, and then you can almost hear him groaning.

The Economist

Japan's new prime minister, Taro Aso, was also cordially received despite his China-sceptical views, and despite his just having signed a security pact with India, which some at least in China will see as directed against their country.

The Economist

She was received cordially, but publicly China kept mum.

The Economist

With the rise of Pat Buchanan, worker insecurity and corporate tyranny have briefly become election issues, but they quickly disappear again with the rise of Dick Morris, Mr Clinton's rightward-pushing éminence grise.Robert Reich cordially hates Dick Morris, and his smarminess, and his opinion polls, and his obsession with "suburban swing".

The Economist

But so far only one big, awkward country, Russia, has formally applied to join the OECD.In May it was cordially welcomed as a full participant in the OECD's highest-profile activity: a convention to outlaw bribery.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cordially" to convey a sense of warmth and sincerity, particularly in formal or semi-formal contexts. It is appropriate for both written and spoken communication where politeness and respect are valued.

Common error

Avoid using "cordially" in overly casual or informal situations, as it can sound stilted or unnatural. Opt for more relaxed alternatives like "warmly" or "sincerely" in personal correspondence.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "cordially" modifies verbs, indicating that an action is performed in a warm and friendly manner. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. For instance, Ludwig examples show actions like "greeted me cordially" or "thank you cordially."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

14%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

8%

Academia

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cordially" functions as an adverb to convey warmth and sincerity, as verified by Ludwig AI. It's most frequently found in News & Media and Encyclopedias, carrying a formal to neutral register. When using "cordially", remember to reserve it for situations where a touch of warmth and politeness is desired, avoiding overuse in overly casual contexts. Consider alternatives like "warmly" or "sincerely" in more relaxed settings, and note that while interchangeable, "cordially" differs from "respectfully" in its emphasis on warmth rather than deference.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

warmly

Emphasizes a genuine and heartfelt feeling in the greeting or action, focusing on the emotional aspect.

heartily

Conveys sincerity and enthusiasm, suggesting a deep and genuine feeling behind the action.

sincerely

Highlights the genuine and honest nature of the greeting or action, focusing on truthfulness.

genially

Implies friendliness and cheerfulness, suggesting a pleasant and agreeable manner.

amiably

Focuses on the pleasant and agreeable nature of the interaction, suggesting a harmonious relationship.

graciously

Indicates politeness and elegance in the manner of greeting or action, emphasizing refinement.

affably

Suggests approachability and ease in communication, making the interaction more comfortable.

respectfully

Emphasizes deference and high regard for the person being addressed, focusing on politeness.

earnestly

Highlights the serious and sincere intention behind the greeting or action, emphasizing depth of feeling.

with great pleasure

Expresses a high degree of satisfaction and delight in performing the action, focusing on personal enjoyment.

FAQs

How can I use "cordially" in a sentence?

"Cordially" is typically used to modify verbs, indicating that an action is done in a warm and friendly manner. For example, "He greeted me "cordially"" shows a friendly greeting.

What are some synonyms for "cordially"?

Alternatives to "cordially" include "warmly", "heartily", and "sincerely". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "cordially" appropriate for informal communication?

While grammatically correct, "cordially" may sound too formal in casual conversations. Consider using friendlier alternatives such as "warmly" or "sincerely" in informal settings.

What is the difference between "cordially" and "respectfully"?

"Cordially" implies warmth and friendliness, while "respectfully" emphasizes deference and politeness. Use "cordially" when you want to express genuine warmth, and "respectfully" when you want to show high regard.