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.
The justices continue to insist that there is no tension among them and that they agree cordially on all things.
From Slate • Jul. 2, 2026
After months of mutual insults, a highly anticipated meeting between US President Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart, Gustavo Petro, has ended cordially.
From BBC • Feb. 3, 2026
Vance and Walz cordially acknowledged one another before taking up their places behind their respective lecterns.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 1, 2024
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
“Guten Tag, Fräulein Engel,” he said cordially, and she dropped her cigarette and crushed it out with her foot and straightened her back and her coat collar all in a rush of practiced panic.
From "Code Name Verity" by Elizabeth Wein
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.
