Sincerely vs. Faithfully: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 1, 2024
'Sincerely' is used to conclude formal letters to known recipients, while 'Faithfully' is used for recipients whose names are unknown.
Key Differences
'Sincerely' is traditionally used in formal or business correspondence when the recipient's name is known. 'Faithfully', on the other hand, is used when the recipient's name is unknown, often seen in business contexts where the letter is addressed to a position or title.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 01, 2024
In usage, 'Sincerely' conveys a sense of personal authenticity and genuine sentiment. 'Faithfully', while also formal, carries a connotation of loyalty and adherence to the duties or responsibilities inherent in the professional relationship.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 01, 2024
'Sincerely' is often chosen to establish a more personalized connection, suggesting a level of familiarity or respect for the recipient. Conversely, 'Faithfully' maintains a degree of formality and distance, appropriate when the sender and recipient have not established a personal relationship.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 01, 2024
The choice between 'Sincerely' and 'Faithfully' can also reflect the tone and purpose of the letter. 'Sincerely' is suited for letters that include personal opinions or statements, whereas 'Faithfully' aligns with communications that are more strictly professional or impersonal.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 01, 2024
In modern communication, 'Sincerely' is more commonly used in English-speaking countries, with 'Faithfully' becoming less prevalent. However, both remain important aspects of proper etiquette in formal written communication.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 01, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Usage Context
When recipient's name is known
When recipient's name is unknown
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 01, 2024
Connotation
Personal authenticity, genuine sentiment
Loyalty, adherence to professional duties
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 01, 2024
Relationship Implication
Suggests familiarity or respect
Maintains formality and distance
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 01, 2024
Tone and Purpose
Personal opinions or statements
Strictly professional or impersonal
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 01, 2024
Prevalence
More common in modern English-speaking countries
Less prevalent but still used
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 01, 2024
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Sincerely and Faithfully Definitions
Sincerely
Sincerely means genuinely, without pretense.
I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused.
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Dec 18, 2023
Faithfully
Faithfully refers to strict adherence to duty.
She followed the instructions faithfully.
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Dec 18, 2023
Sincerely
Sincerely is a formal sign-off in correspondence.
Yours sincerely, John Doe.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
Faithfully
Faithfully means with fidelity and loyalty.
He served the company faithfully for 30 years.
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Dec 18, 2023
Sincerely
Sincerely refers to earnestness or seriousness.
She spoke about her experiences very sincerely.
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Dec 18, 2023
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Faithfully
Faithfully can express devotion or trustworthiness.
They remained faithfully committed to the cause.
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Dec 18, 2023
Sincerely
Sincerely is used to express true feelings.
He sincerely believed in the project's success.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
Faithfully
Faithfully is a formal closure in letters to unknown recipients.
Yours faithfully, Jane Smith.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
Sincerely
Sincerely can indicate honesty and authenticity.
Her feedback was given sincerely and constructively.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
Faithfully
Faithfully is used to denote exactness or accuracy.
The novel was faithfully adapted into a movie.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
Faithfully
Adhering firmly and devotedly, as to a person, cause, or idea; loyal.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Faithfully
Engaging in sex only with one's spouse or only with one's partner in a sexual relationship.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Sincerely
In a sincere or earnest manner; honestly.
I sincerely hope they make it home safely.
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Dec 13, 2023
Sincerely
(US) A conventional formula for ending a letter, used when the salutation addresses the person for whom the letter is intended by his or her name.
Please consider the proposal carefully and let me know what you decide.
Sincerely,
Fred
Sincerely,
Fred
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Faithfully
Consistent with truth or actuality
A faithful reproduction of the portrait.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Sincerely
With sincerity; without pretense;
She praised him sincerely for his victory
Was unfeignedly glad to see his old teacher
We are truly sorry for the inconvenience
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Faithfully
In a faithful manner.
The CD reproduces music faithfully.
I have been faithfully married for the past twenty years.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Faithfully
(US) A conventional formula for ending a letter, used when the salutation addresses the person for whom the letter is intended using an honorific.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Faithfully
In a faithful manner;
It always came on, faithfully, like the radio
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is 'Faithfully' appropriate for emails?
It can be used, but it's less common in emails.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 01, 2024
When is 'Faithfully' used in correspondence?
In formal letters where the recipient's name is unknown.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 01, 2024
Does 'Sincerely' indicate a personal relationship?
It suggests a level of familiarity or respect.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 01, 2024
What does 'Sincerely' imply in a letter?
Genuine sentiment and personal authenticity.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 01, 2024
Can 'Sincerely' be used to conclude any letter?
Generally, but context and familiarity should guide its use.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 01, 2024
Is 'Sincerely' suitable for business letters?
Yes, especially when addressing a known individual.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 01, 2024
How does 'Faithfully' reflect on the sender?
It shows formality and respect for professional boundaries.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 01, 2024
Does 'Sincerely' require the recipient’s name?
Yes, it's typically used when the recipient's name is known.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 01, 2024
Can 'Faithfully' be perceived as too formal?
In some contexts, especially casual ones, it might be.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 01, 2024
What does 'Faithfully' convey in a professional context?
Loyalty and adherence to professional duties.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 01, 2024
Can 'Sincerely' be used in informal letters?
Yes, but it is more common in formal settings.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 01, 2024
What tone does 'Faithfully' set in a letter?
A formal and somewhat impersonal tone.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 01, 2024
Is 'Sincerely' more common than 'Faithfully'?
Yes, in contemporary English-speaking countries.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 01, 2024
Can 'Sincerely' be used in legal documents?
Yes, it's suitable for formal legal correspondence.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 01, 2024
Is 'Faithfully' outdated in modern communication?
Less common but still appropriate in certain formal situations.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 01, 2024
Are there modern alternatives to 'Faithfully'?
Kind regards or Best regards can be used.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 01, 2024
Is 'Sincerely' appropriate for closing emails?
Yes, particularly in formal or professional emails.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 01, 2024
What alternatives exist for 'Sincerely'?
Regards, Best wishes, and Warm regards are some alternatives.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 01, 2024
How does 'Faithfully' compare to 'Respectfully'?
'Faithfully' is more about loyalty, while 'Respectfully' is about deference and esteem.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 01, 2024
Does 'Faithfully' imply a commitment in communication?
It implies a commitment to professional standards and duties.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 01, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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