Sincerely vs. Sincerly – Which is Correct?
The correct spelling is sincerely. The word “sincerly” is a common misspelling and is not recognized as a valid word in standard English. Always use “sincerely” when you mean “in a sincere or genuine way,” especially in formal correspondence like closing a letter.
Sincerely or Sincerly – Which is Correct?
The distinction between “sincerely” and “sincerly” is straightforward: sincerely is the correct and only accepted spelling, while “sincerly” is an error. This misspelling often arises from phonetic confusion, as the ‘e’ before ‘r’ in “sincerely” can be subtle in pronunciation, leading some to omit it when writing.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
To remember that “sincerely” is correct, think of its root word: “sincere.” Just as “sincere” has an ‘e’ before the ‘r’, so does “sincerely.” You can also remember the phrase “Sincere people ly to no one,” linking the root word directly to the correct adverbial ending, ensuring you include the ‘e’.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sincerely | Adverb | In a sincere or genuine manner; genuinely; truthfully. | “I sincerely apologize for the misunderstanding.” |
| Sincerly | Incorrect | N/A (misspelling) | “Please do not use ‘sincerly’; it is incorrect.” |
How to Use Sincerely
“Sincerely” is an adverb that means “in a sincere or genuine manner.” It conveys honesty, earnestness, and a lack of pretense. It is widely used in both spoken and written English, particularly as a formal closing in letters and emails, often paired with “Yours.”
When used in a sentence, it typically modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb, indicating the manner in which an action is performed or a feeling is expressed. Its tone is generally polite and earnest.
Example 1: “I sincerely hope this email finds you well.”
Example 2: “She spoke so sincerely that everyone in the room believed her.”
Example 3: “Thank you sincerely for your thoughtful gift.”
Etymology of the word Sincerely
The word “sincerely” comes from the adjective “sincere,” which entered English in the late 15th century from the Old French sincer and directly from the Latin sincerus. Sincerus originally meant “clean, pure, sound, unadulterated,” possibly from sine cera, meaning “without wax.” This etymology suggests a pure, unblemished quality, free from deception or impurity, which aligns perfectly with its modern meaning of genuineness and honesty. The adverbial ending “-ly” was added later to form “sincerely,” indicating “in a sincere manner.”
Related Concepts
Understanding related grammatical concepts can help clarify why certain spellings are correct and others are not, especially when dealing with words like “sincerely.”
- Adverbs of Manner: “Sincerely” is an adverb of manner, describing how something is done. Many adverbs of manner are formed by adding “-ly” to an adjective (e.g., quick -> quickly, happy -> happily, sincere -> sincerely). Recognizing this pattern helps reinforce the correct spelling.
- Common Misspellings: Many words are misspelled due to silent letters, phonetic similarities, or simply dropping letters. “Sincerly” is a classic example of a common misspelling where an ‘e’ is mistakenly omitted, similar to how people might misspell “definitely” as “definately.”
Examples from Media and Literature
- From a classic novel: “He looked at her sincerely, his eyes conveying a depth of emotion words could not.”
- From a formal letter: “Please accept our apologies, and know that we are sincerely committed to resolving this issue.”
- From a news report: “The CEO sincerely thanked the employees for their hard work during the challenging quarter.”
- From a movie script: “I sincerely hope you reconsider your decision; it would mean a great deal to me.”
- From a song lyric: “I sincerely want to be the best version of myself for you.”
Sincerely Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Genuinely | In a true or authentic manner; truly. |
| Earnestly | With serious and intense conviction; seriously. |
| Heartily | With sincere and strong feeling; enthusiastically. |
| Truly | In a truthful manner; accurately; genuinely. |
| Honestly | In an honest manner; truthfully. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Why is “sincerely” often used as a closing in letters?
“Sincerely” is a traditional and widely accepted formal closing for letters and emails because it conveys genuine respect and good wishes from the sender to the recipient. It implies that the sentiments expressed in the letter are heartfelt.
Understanding these patterns can also help clarify other common spelling dilemmas, such as Truely vs. Truly.
Question 2: Does “sincerely” have different meanings in different contexts?
While its core meaning of “genuinely” or “truthfully” remains consistent, the nuance can shift slightly with context. For example, “I sincerely apologize” emphasizes the depth of regret, while “Sincerely, John Doe” in a letter closing indicates a respectful and genuine sign-off.
Question 3: Are there any situations where “sincerely” should not be used?
While “sincerely” is generally versatile, in very informal or casual communication (like a text message to a friend), it might sound overly formal. In such cases, a simple “Best,” “Thanks,” or just your name would be more appropriate.
Conclusion
In the choice between “sincerely” and “sincerly,” remember that sincerely is the only correct spelling. “Sincerly” is a common misspelling that should be avoided. The key is to recall its root word “sincere,” which retains the ‘e’ before the ‘r’ when forming the adverb. Using “sincerely” correctly demonstrates attention to detail and a command of the English language.
Pro Tip: In professional correspondence, using the correct spelling of words like “sincerely” is crucial. It reflects positively on your attention to detail and can impact how your message is received, reinforcing your professional reputation.
