complimentary close

American  

[kom-pluh-men-tuh-ree klohz, ‐-men-tree] / ˌkɒm pləˈmɛn tə ri ˈkloʊz, ‐ˈmɛn tri /

Also complimentary closing

noun

1. the part of a letter that by convention immediately precedes the signature, as “Very truly yours,” “Cordially,” or “Sincerely yours.”

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Etymology

Origin of complimentary close

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

Include a polite closing line, use a professional complimentary close, and type your full name.

From Textbooks • Dec. 21, 2021

Our choice of a complimentary close, like that of a salutation, depends upon the relations existing between us and those to whom we are writing.

From Composition-Rhetoric by Brooks, Stratton D.

The complimentary close should be written on a separate line near the middle of the page, and should begin with a capital letter.

From Practical Grammar and Composition by Wood, Thomas

Position, in letters, of complimentary close, 163; of heading, 155; of inside address, 157; of salutation, 159; of outside address, 164.

From Practical Grammar and Composition by Wood, Thomas

The complimentary close should be written one line below the last line of the main part of the letter, and toward the right-hand side of the page.

From Composition-Rhetoric by Brooks, Stratton D.