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Dictionarysalutationgreeting
noun

salutation

sal-yoo-TAY-shuhn/ˌsæljuˈteɪʃn/

A spoken or written greeting.

The letter begins with the salutation Dear Ana.

A letter opening with exact short words 'Dear Ana,' beside an envelope, a greeting at the beginning, no other readable text.
Etymology
salutaLatingreet; wish health to
+tionLatinact or action

Salutare literally meant “wish health to,” making a greeting an expression of goodwill toward someone’s well-being. A salutation names that act of greeting, including the words that open a letter or speech.

In context

Flying With Luxury1:10
Use a professional salutation like, "Dear Sir/Madam." The body of the letter is critical. Clearly state the purpose of your communication in the first paragraph.
How To Write A Letter To The Income Tax Department?

More examples

  • He offers a polite salutation before introducing himself.
  • The email has no salutation and gets straight to business.
  • They exchange cheerful salutations as they enter the meeting.

Forms

salutation · salutations

salute verb — To greet or show respect to.

Similar words

greeting
A broader, more everyday term for welcoming or acknowledging someone.
welcome
Specifically expresses pleasure at someone's arrival, rather than simple acknowledgment.