correspondingly

Correspondingly is an adverb used to indicate that something aligns with or mirrors what has just been stated, or that a consequence follows from it. It signals parallelism between statements or a proportional relationship. For example: “Demand rose sharply; correspondingly, inventories fell.” In a causal sense, it can introduce the result of a previously described condition: “Prices fell, and correspondingly, consumer spending declined.”

Etymology and form: the word is built from the verb correspond with the adverbial suffix -ingly, forming a meaning along the lines of “in a corresponding manner.” It has been part of English usage since the early modern period and is primarily found in formal or technical writing.

Usage and style: correspondingly is most common after a semicolon or within a linked sentence, where it helps show a relationship between two clauses. It is suitable for analytic, scholarly, and business contexts. It can also appear at the beginning of a sentence to reference the preceding statement: “Correspondingly, the model was updated.” In everyday prose, alternatives such as accordingly, as a result, or thus may be preferred for simplicity.

Related terms: correspond (verb), correspondence (noun), corresponding (adjective), and the adverb accordingly. While similar in sense, correspondingly specifically emphasizes the manner or consequence that mirrors the stated idea.

See also: correspond, corresponding, correspondence, accordingly, thus, as a result.