Understanding and Using ‘Best regards’: A Professional Guide

In professional and personal correspondence, you may have encountered the phrase 'Best regards' and wondered about its meaning and usage. This article aims to demystify this idiom, explore its synonyms, and provide guidelines on when and how to use it effectively.

What does 'best regards' mean?

According to the Free Online Dictionary, 'regards' can mean to look upon or think of with a specific feeling. 'Best regards,' then, is a polite and warm expression that conveys favorable thoughts and respect for the recipient. When you send a letter or email with 'Best regards,' you are wishing the greatest possible luck and happiness to the person, and expressing that their life is valuable to you. Essentially, it is a concise way of saying, 'I hope you are doing well and that everything in your life is flourishing.'

While 'regards' can stand alone as a closing, using 'Best regards' adds emphasis and warmth to the message. This phrase is particularly appropriate in professional settings, as it strikes a balance between formality and friendliness.

Synonyms for 'Best regards'

If you are looking for alternatives to 'Best regards,' there are several options to choose from. Here are some commonly used phrases that can replace it:

Yours faithfully Yours truly Kind regards Kindest regards Best wishes Respectfully Your sincerely

When to use ‘Best regards’

The phrase 'Best regards' is particularly useful in professional correspondence, such as business letters, formal emails, and other formal written communications. It is less informal and implies a level of respect to the addressee. However, in emails, especially when you interact with someone on a semi-regular basis, a closing may not be necessary, and simply signing your name might suffice.

Example:

Dear Ms. Smith,

I am writing to express my deepest appreciation for your contribution to the project. Please find attached the report for your review.

Best regards,

John Doe

In this example, 'Best regards' is appropriate, formal, and conveys a sense of respect and warmth.

Alternatively, in a more casual email to a friend or colleague on a regular basis, you might simply use your name as the closing:

Hey Sarah,

How are you doing? I hope you are well.

John Doe

This is more informal and appropriate for less formal correspondence.

Formal vs. Casual

The choice of closing depends on the level of formality required for your correspondence. Here are some general guidelines:

Formal Correspondence: When writing to clients, employers, or colleagues in a professional capacity, opt for formal closings such as 'Best regards,' 'Respectfully,' or 'Yours faithfully.' Less Formal Correspondence: For emails or letters to friends, family, or casual colleagues, consider alternatives like 'Kind regards,' 'With best wishes,' or simply 'Best.' Very Casual Correspondence: In highly informal settings, such as personal notes or casual chat messages, a simple 'Love,' 'Lots of love,' or 'XOXO' might be more appropriate.

In summary, 'Best regards' is a versatile and effective way to close a letter or email, particularly in professional settings. It conveys respect, warmth, and good wishes, strike a balance between formality and friendliness, and can be adapted to different contexts and levels of formality.