sincerely

Everyday

1. Sincerely means honestly and truly, meaning what you say, as in «I sincerely hope you feel better». tree →
2. «Yours sincerely» (UK, Ireland, Australia) or «Sincerely» (US, Canada) is a polite way to end a formal letter or email, before your name. tree →

In the lessons

In English writing lessons, pupils learn letter layout: in the UK, use «Yours sincerely» when you know the person's name (Dear Mrs Patel) and «Yours faithfully» when you do not (Dear Sir or Madam). In everyday life, «sincerely» makes thanks or apologies sound honest. Phrases: «Yours sincerely», «sincerely hope», «sincerely apologise».

Examples

• I sincerely hope you enjoy the party. tree →
• Yours sincerely, Amy Brown. tree →
• He sincerely apologised for breaking the window. tree →
• We sincerely thank everyone who helped clear the park. tree →
• She said sorry sincerely, so I forgave her. tree →
• Sincerely, Jordan (at the end of a US letter). tree →
• The little flower could very well see that they were ill at ease, and pitied them sincerely. tree →

Note

Adverb from «sincere» + «-ly»; keep the «e»: sincerely, not «sincerly». Noun: sincerity. UK rule: «Dear Mr Smith» → «Yours sincerely»; «Dear Sir or Madam» → «Yours faithfully».

In Jewish tradition

In Job it means speaking honestly from the heart. In the Song of Songs it means that the love is real and right.

Interpretation. Tradition reads the Song of Songs as a picture of love between God and Israel.

Examples

• My words shall utter the uprightness of my heart; and that which my lips know they shall speak sincerely. (Writings JOB.33.3, JPS 1917) tree →
• Draw me, we will run after thee; the king hath brought me into his chambers; we will be glad and rejoice in thee, we will find thy love more fragrant than wine! sincerely do they love thee. (Writings SNG.1.4, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Adverb from «sincere» + «-ly»; keep the «e»: sincerely, not «sincerly». Noun: sincerity. UK rule: «Dear Mr Smith» → «Yours sincerely»; «Dear Sir or Madam» → «Yours faithfully».