Difference Between Sincerely and Faithfully

Main Difference – Sincerely vs Faithfully

Sincerely and faithfully are two adverbs that are often used as complimentary endings in formal letters or emails. In formal letters, sincerely is used at the end, if the recipient is known and addressed by the name. Faithfully is used if the name of the recipient is not known. This is the main difference between sincerely and faithfully.

Difference Between Sincerely and Faithfully -infographic

Sincerely – Meaning and Usage

Sincerely is an adverb that means in a sincere or genuine way. Sincerely is often used at the end of letters as ‘yours sincerely’ or ‘sincerely yours’. Sincerely is used in this manner only when the name of the recipient of the letter is known. That is, if you start the letter by addressing the recipient by his or her name, you can use sincerely at the end of the letter. It is used when the letter starts with salutations like Dear Mr./Ms./Mrs./Miss. etc. followed by the name of the person.

Opening: Dear Michael

Closing: Yours sincerely

Opening: Dear Michael Anderson

Closing: Yours sincerely

Opening: Dear Mr. Anderson

Closing: Yours sincerely

In the USA, yours sincerely is phrased as sincerely yours. It is important to note that this expression can be used in both formal letters and informal letters.

Difference Between Sincerely and Faithfully

Faithfully – Meaning and Usage

Faithfully is another word that is used commonly in formal emails and letters. Faithfully is an adverb that implies loyalty. The expression yours faithfully is used at end of formal letters, when the name of the recipient of not known.

When the name of the recipient is not known, the letter will be addressed as

To whom it may concern,

Dear sir/madam,

Dear HR Manager/ Dear Managing Director, etc.

According to the Cambridge Guide to English Usage, yours faithfully is used when the writer wants to maintain a formal distance from the recipient and to emphasize that the correspondence is a matter of duty. Moreover, Yours faithfully is only used in formal letters and this usage is declining gradually.

Main Difference -  Sincerely vs  Faithfully

Difference Between Sincerely and Faithfully

Meaning

Sincerely means in a sincere and genuine manner.

Faithfully means in a loyal manner.

Type of Letter

Sincerely can be used in both formal and informal letters.

Faithfully is mainly used in formal letters.

Use

Sincerely is used when the recipient is known.

Faithfully is used when the recipient is unknown.

Formality

Sincerely is considered to be more informal and friendly than faithfully.

Faithfully is considered to be very formal.

Usage

Sincerely is commonly used in letters and emails.

Faithfully is less commonly used.

 

Reference:

Peters, Pam. The Cambridge guide to English usage. Ernst Klett Sprachen, 2004.

Image Courtesy:

“sincerely?” by tadekk (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr

“Sutherland Constabulary – Special Constable award” by Dave Conner (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr

About the Author: Hasa

Hasanthi is a seasoned content writer and editor with over 8 years of experience. Armed with a BA degree in English and a knack for digital marketing, she explores her passions for literature, history, culture, and food through her engaging and informative writing.