Salutation - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

formal greeting

A salutation is a polite expression of greeting or goodwill. It is often used at the beginning of a letter or email to address the recipient. Salutations can vary depending on the level of formality and the relationship between the sender and receiver.

Synonyms

address, greeting, welcome.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
salutation	Used in formal or written communication to politely address someone. Dear Mr. Smith, To Whom It May Concern,
greeting	Commonly used in everyday interactions to say 'hello' or acknowledge someone. Good morning! Hey, how's it going?
welcome	Used to warmly receive someone, often in a new place or situation. Welcome to our home! We would like to welcome all new students to the university.
address	Used formally when referring to a speech or communication to an audience. The president gave an address to the nation. She delivered the keynote address at the conference.

Examples of usage

"Dear Sir/Madam" is a common salutation in formal letters.
She greeted her guests with a warm salutation.
The salutation "Hello" is commonly used in casual conversations.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Practices

Different cultures have unique ways of greeting, like bowing in Japan or shaking hands in many Western countries.
In some cultures, greetings include physical touch, such as hugs or kisses, which can signify closeness.
Salutations in written form, like 'Dear' or 'Hello,' set the tone for the communication style in letters and emails.

Psychology

A warm greeting can create a positive first impression, enhancing connections between individuals.
Studies show that salutation styles can reflect social norms and personal identities, influencing interpersonal trust.
Using someone's name in a salutation can deepen rapport and foster goodwill in conversations.

Literature

Salutations often appear in classic texts, setting the mood for character interactions in novels.
Poets frequently use unique greetings to add rhythm to their work or reveal character emotions.
The way characters greet each other can define cultural context or social hierarchies in literary works.

Communication

Salutations are vital in both verbal and non-verbal communication, acting as an opener for conversations.
In digital communication, salutations can be adapted to match the medium, such as 'Hey,' 'Hi,' or 'Greetings.'
Effective use of salutations can impact the success of negotiations or collaborations by fostering a positive atmosphere.

Origin of 'salutation'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'salutatio,' which means 'greeting' or 'to greet.'
In Latin, 'salus' means 'health,' suggesting that greetings were wished to promote well-being.
It has been used in the English language since the 14th century, showing the long history of social interactions.

The word "salutation" originated from the Latin word "salutatio", which means a greeting or saluting. In ancient Rome, salutations were an important part of social interactions, with different salutations used based on the time of day and the status of the individuals involved. Over time, the term evolved to refer to any polite greeting or expression of goodwill.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,540, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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19537 loath
19538 misunderstand
19539 fender
19540 salutation
19541 sprawled
19542 travail
19543 nonviolent
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Salutation Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations