salutation

Salutation is a form of greeting or address used to acknowledge a person or audience. It appears in spoken language as a greeting such as “hello” or “good morning,” and in written form as the initial words of a message or letter.

In written communication, a salutation is the opening greeting at the start of correspondence or email, followed by the body. Examples include “Dear John,” “To whom it may concern,” or simply “Hello.” The closing of a message is a separate element and not part of the salutation itself.

Origin and terminology: The term derives from the Latin salutatio, from salutare to greet. It is linked to the broader concept of salutations that encompass expressions of greeting as well as rites of acknowledgment and respect.

Cultural and stylistic variation: Formal contexts often require titles and surnames; informal contexts use given names. Different languages have established conventions: English uses “Dear” or “Hi”; German uses “Sehr geehrte/r”; Japanese letters may employ ceremonial phrases at the start and end. In many cultures, the choice of salutation signals social distance, status, and politeness, and may affect tone and reception of the message.

Nonverbal and digital forms: Salutations also take nonverbal forms such as handshakes, bows, nods, or waves. In modern digital communication, emails and messages commonly begin with greetings, with formality and tone adapting to the relationship and setting.