salutations

Salutations are expressions of greeting or respect used when meeting or addressing someone. They function as social signals that acknowledge another person and invite interaction. The term comes from Latin salutatio, from salutare “to greet,” and in English has expanded to include both spoken greetings and written openings.

In everyday speech, salutations vary by formality and culture. English examples include “Hello,” “Hi,” “Good morning,” and more formal “Good afternoon” or “How do you do?” In many languages there are parallel sets of phrases with formal and informal registers. Nonverbal cues such as a handshake, bow, or kiss on the cheek accompany salutations in some cultures.

In writing, salutations refer to the opening address in correspondence. English letter openings include “Dear [Name],” and more general “To whom it may concern.” In some contexts, contemporary emails may start with “Hi,” or “Hello,” followed by the recipient’s name. The closing lines such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards” are separate from salutations, but the term is sometimes extended to refer to the entire greeting portion of a message.

Cultural variation and inclusivity: some languages rely on honorifics and pronouns to convey respect or social distance. Some workplaces prefer gender-neutral salutations. In multilingual contexts, choosing an appropriate salutation respects local norms and the recipient’s preferences.

Historically, salutations have reflected social hierarchies and politeness norms; phrases like “How do you do?” were common in the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, salutations continue to evolve with communication media, including digital messages and video calls.