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

The signature is written below the complimentary close and a little to the right, so that it ends about at the right-hand margin.

From How to Write Letters (Formerly The Book of Letters) A Complete Guide to Correct Business and Personal Correspondence by Crowther, Mary Owens

Appropriateness is the only guide to the choice of a complimentary close.

From Practical Grammar and Composition by Wood, Thomas

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

In formal official letters the complimentary close is Respectfully yours Yours respectfully.

From How to Write Letters (Formerly The Book of Letters) A Complete Guide to Correct Business and Personal Correspondence by Crowther, Mary Owens