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Regards in an Email: Definition and Synonyms
Definition and Part of Speech
“Regards” in an email typically serves as a polite closing phrase. It’s used to express consideration or respect before signing off on correspondence. While it functions grammatically as a noun, its role in emails is primarily idiomatic, conveying courteousness.
Core Synonyms (Table Format)
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best | Conveys warmth and personal touch. | “Best wishes, John” | Informal/Formal, Business |
| Kindly | Formal, polite closure expressing good intentions. | “Kindly regards, Dr. Smith” | Formal |
| Sincerely | Emphasizes honesty and genuine sentiment. | “Sincerely yours, Sarah” | Formal/Professional |
| Cordially | Warm and friendly, often in more personal emails. | “Cordial greetings, Emily” | Informal/Formal |
| Cheers | Casual, friendly sign-off. | “Cheers, Tom” | Informal/Casual |
Usage Notes
- Best: Suitable for both professional and informal contexts, it adds a personal touch while remaining polite.
- Kindly: Best reserved for formal emails where maintaining a respectful tone is important, often used by professionals or in official correspondence.
- Sincerely: Conveys genuine sentiment, making it ideal for serious or heartfelt messages. It’s widely accepted across business and professional settings.
- Cordially: Offers a warm closure, appropriate when you have an existing rapport with the recipient. Can be used in both informal and semi-formal situations.
- Cheers: Perfect for casual emails among friends or colleagues with whom you have an amicable relationship.
Common Pitfalls
While these synonyms are generally interchangeable, context matters greatly:
- Using “cheers” in a formal business email might come across as too casual or unprofessional.
- “Sincerely” may seem overly serious in informal contexts where lighter tones like “best” or “cheers” would suffice.
- Mixing up “kindly” with more personal closings like “cordially” can alter the tone, making it less personal and more detached.
Final Recap
To conclude, when signing off emails:
- Best offers a balance of warmth and politeness suitable for most scenarios.
- Kindly keeps things strictly formal.
- Sincerely adds a layer of genuine sentiment and professionalism.
- Cordially leans towards friendliness in more familiar contexts.
- Cheers is best suited for casual, friendly exchanges.
Encourage readers to practice these synonyms by writing their own email closings and experimenting with different styles. This will help solidify understanding and improve communication skills across various settings.