complimentary close

[ kom-pluh-men-tuh-ree klohz, ‐-men-tree ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

the part of a letter that by convention immediately precedes the signature, as “Very truly yours,” “Cordially,” or “Sincerely yours.”

First recorded in 1915–20

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

The complimentary close of the letter is followed by a comma and the signature by a period.

Washington's answer is cheerful, and its complimentary close exceptionally cordial.

April 24, 2024gallimaufry

[gal-uh-maw-free ]

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