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Correspondence Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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correspondence

[หŒkษ’r.ษชหˆspษ’n.dษ™ns ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

communication

The action of exchanging letters with someone else; the state of having a close similarity or connection to something else.

Synonyms

communication, exchange, interaction, relation.

Examples of usage

  • The correspondence between the two leaders was crucial for the peace negotiations.
  • There is a clear correspondence between hard work and success.
Context #2 | Noun

agreement

Agreement or compatibility between things.

Synonyms

agreement, compatibility, conformity, consistency.

Examples of usage

  • There needs to be correspondence between the budget and the actual expenses.
  • The correspondence of colors in the painting was remarkable.
Context #3 | Noun

letters

Letters sent or received.

Synonyms

communication, letters, mail.

Examples of usage

  • She kept all the correspondence from her time abroad.
  • The correspondence from the 19th century provides valuable historical insights.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

History

  • In medieval times, correspondence was essential for trade, diplomacy, and personal relationships, as people relied on letters to maintain connections.
  • The 19th century saw a huge increase in letter writing thanks to the postal system, making it easier for families and friends to stay in touch.
  • The invention of the telegraph in the mid-1800s began to shift the landscape of correspondence by speeding up communication.

Literature

  • Letter writing has been a popular narrative device in literature, used by authors to deepen character development and plot.
  • Famous literary works, like 'Letters to a Young Poet' by Rainer Maria Rilke, reflect intimate thoughts and dialogues through correspondence.
  • Epistolary novels, such as 'The Color Purple' by Alice Walker, rely entirely on letters to tell the story and give emotional depth.

Psychology

  • Correspondence can help maintain relationships, as exchanging thoughts and feelings fosters emotional bonds and support.
  • Writing letters can be a therapeutic exercise, helping individuals articulate their feelings and reflect on their experiences.
  • Online correspondenceโ€”like emails and messagesโ€”has transformed how people connect but can also lead to feelings of isolation if over-relied upon.

Pop Culture

  • The rise of email in the late 20th century changed traditional correspondence, leading to faster and more casual conversations.
  • Popular TV shows, like 'Gilmore Girls', often illustrate the importance of correspondence between characters, emphasizing the depth of their relationships.
  • Social media has created a new form of correspondence, allowing people to share updates instantly with a vast audience, while sometimes reducing personal connections.

Origin of 'correspondence'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'correspondere', which means 'to respond to' or 'to agree with'.
  • It has been used in English since the late 14th century, originally referring to letters exchanged between individuals.
  • The prefix 'cor-' means 'together', while 'spondere' means 'to pledge', indicating a mutual agreement in communication.

The word 'correspondence' originated in the late 16th century from the French word 'correspondance', based on medieval Latin 'correspondentia', from the verb 'correspondere' meaning 'agree, be in agreement'. The term evolved to encompass various meanings related to communication, agreement, and exchange of letters over time.

See also: correspondent, corresponder, corresponding, correspondingly.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,026, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.