What does cordially mean?
Cordially is an adverb meaning in a warm, friendly, and sincere manner. It derives from the Latin cor, meaning heart, via the adjective cordial, and thus literally suggests warmth flowing from the heart. The word belongs chiefly to formal English: guests are cordially invited to ceremonies, letters end with 'Yours cordially', and hosts receive visitors cordially. Because of its ceremonial flavor, it rarely appears in casual conversation, where speakers prefer 'warmly' or 'in a friendly way'. Interestingly, cordially can also intensify negative verbs — one may cordially detest something — an ironic usage long established in British English. Its noun form, cordiality, denotes warm friendliness itself. For learners, cordially is most useful in written and social-formal contexts: invitations, correspondence, and polite descriptions of gracious behavior, where it lends a tone of genuine, heartfelt courtesy.
In a warm, friendly, and sincere manner.
"The ambassador was cordially received at the palace."
Chiefly formal; common in invitations and correspondence.
Used as a formal politeness marker, especially in 'cordially invited' or the letter closing 'Yours cordially'; occasionally used ironically to intensify verbs of dislike.
"All members are cordially invited to the annual dinner."
The ironic use with verbs like 'hate' or 'despise' is well established but stylistically marked.
Cordially comes from the Latin cor — 'the heart' — so when you're invited somewhere cordially, you are literally being welcomed from the heart.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of cordially
Cordially comes from the adjective cordial, which entered English from Old French in the late Middle Ages and traces back to Late Latin cordialis, 'of or for the heart', from Latin cor, cordis, meaning heart. The original sense related to medicines or foods that 'comforted the heart' — hence the drink known as cordial. By extension, cordial came to describe warmth and friendliness, and the adverb cordially followed. It shares its root with words such as accord, concord, and record, all ultimately built on the Latin word for heart.
Related word forms
How cordially is actually used
The word carries a distinctly formal register; in everyday speech, 'warmly' or 'in a friendly way' is more common. In formal invitations and letter closings ('Yours cordially'), it is entirely conventional. It can also appear with verbs of strong aversion ('cordially hate') for ironic or emphatic effect, a usage dating back centuries in British English.
Easily confused with cordially
'Cardially' is not a standard English word; it may be a misspelling of 'cordially' or a rare medical adverb relating to the heart (cardiac), whereas 'cordially' means in a warm, friendly manner.