cordially
Americanadverb
-
in a courteous and friendly way; graciously.
You are cordially invited to take part in the festivities.
-
deeply and sincerely.
I was cordially ashamed of how we had acted.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of cordially
Explanation
Cordially means "doing something in a heartfelt way." If you cordially welcome a stranger into your house, you make him or her feel comfortable, because you show that you're truly glad for the visit. The adverb cordially comes from the adjective cordial, which come from the Middle Latin word cordialis meaning "of or for the heart." Something that is done cordially has warmth and friendliness to it, like a host who greets people cordially at a party. In fact, formal party invitations sometimes use the phrase "you are cordially invited," which means you are happily encouraged to attend.
Vocabulary lists containing cordially
The Phantom Tollbooth
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"The Red-Headed League" by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
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"The Mixer" by P.G. Wodehouse
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Racing in the 1,000 meters for the first time in her Olympic career, she clapped cordially at the end of the race.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 9, 2026
Jeff Zients, the White House chief of staff, and presidential counselor Steve Ricchetti spoke cordially with Johnson as Biden met with him for the first time.
From Seattle Times • Nov. 5, 2023
"Katie is cordially invited to visit the station anytime and will receive a warm welcome."
From BBC • Jul. 13, 2023
“We cordially invite everyone to visit the exhibition and form their own opinions,” the museum writes.
From Science Magazine • Jun. 14, 2023
He wasn’t much for goodbyes and so he bowed cordially and got ready to jump.
From "The Way to Rio Luna" by Zoraida Cordova
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
