Cordially

Part of speech: adverb

Pronunciation: /ˈkɔɹd͡ʒəli/

Definitions

1. In a fashion that demonstrates both friendliness and sincere respect while aiming to create a positive atmosphere
2. In a way that shows genuine warmth and kindness while fostering a friendly environment
3. With sincere warmth and polite friendliness expressed openly

Etymology: "Cordially" is a plain formation: the adjective "cordial" with the adverb ending "-ly" added. The adjective goes back to the Latin "cor", meaning heart, through the Medieval Latin "cordialis", and the English word originally carried the sense of something heartfelt, from the heart, rather than merely polite. That older meaning survives in the adjective, which can describe a warm, sincere disposition or a hearty drink. The adverb has an older ancestor in Middle English, "cordyally", which meant "by heart" or from the heart. Its modern sense of friendly, warm fashion grew out of that idea of sincere feeling. So a letter closed "cordially" is, at root, signed with the heart, even if the modern sign-off has become a conventional courtesy.

Synonyms: warmly, sincerely, graciously

Antonyms: coldly, rudely