Truly Yours: Definition, Meaning, and Origin

Last Updated on
December 2, 2023

The idiom "truly yours" is a common way of ending a letter or an email. It is used to show respect, sincerity, and affection to the person you are writing to. A comma and your name or signature often follow it.

In short:

  • It is a polite and sincere way of ending a letter or an email.

What Does "Truly Yours" Mean?

"Truly yours" is often used as a letter or email sign-off. It implies that you are honest and genuine with the person you are writing to. You are expressing your respect, gratitude, or affection for them. You also imply that you have a close or personal relationship with them. This meaning is similar to other expressions such as "Sincerely yours" or "Yours faithfully."

Where Does "Truly Yours" Come From?

The idiom "truly yours" may have evolved from the older expression "Your humble servant," which was a common way of ending a letter in the 17th and 18th centuries. This expression was used to show respect and deference to the person you were writing to, especially if they were of higher rank or status than you. However, over time, this expression became less sincere and more informal and was often used in casual conversations.

10 Examples of "Truly Yours" in Sentences

Here are some examples of how to use this idiom in different sentences:

  • I appreciate your support. Truly yours, Tony.
  • With warm regards and best wishes, truly yours.
  • Take care and stay in touch. Truly yours, Mandy.
  • With heartfelt appreciation, I sign off as truly yours.
  • You are indeed an inspiration to me. Truly yours, Jack.
  • I hope you enjoyed reading my novel. Truly yours, Mark.
  • I am looking forward to seeing you soon. Truly yours, Mary.
  • I appreciate your kindness and generosity. Truly yours, Alice.
  • It was a pleasure meeting you at the conference. Truly yours, Tom.
  • I am sorry for any inconvenience I may have caused you. Truly yours, Lisa.

Examples of "Truly Yours" in Pop Culture

Here are some examples of how this idiom has been used in various forms of pop culture:

  • "Truly Yours" is a song by the Spinners, a soul group from Detroit, Michigan. The song was released as a single by Motown Records in 1966. The song is a romantic ballad that expresses the narrator's devotion to his lover.
  • Yours Truly is a 2018 Indian romantic drama film directed by Sanjoy Nag, based on a short story by Annie Zaidi. The film explores the theme of loneliness and longing through the life of a middle-aged woman who falls in love with the voice of a railway announcer.
  • In the book "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger, the protagonist, Holden Caulfield, writes a letter to his sister Phoebe, ending it with "Truly yours, Holden." This shows his affection, concern for her, and loneliness and isolation.

Synonyms: Other/Different Ways to Say "Truly Yours"

Here are some synonyms for this idiom:

  • Warmly
  • With love
  • Best wishes
  • Kind regards
  • Sincerely yours
  • Yours faithfully
  • Yours sincerely
  • Respectfully yours

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Truly Yours"

Here are some frequently asked questions about this idiom:

  • What does "truly yours" mean?

The idiom "truly yours" is a common way of ending a letter or an email. It is used to show respect, sincerity, and affection to the person you are writing to. A comma and your name or signature often follow it.

  • What is the origin of the phrase "truly yours"?

The idiom "truly yours" may have evolved from the older expression "Your humble servant," which was a common way of ending a letter in the 17th and 18th centuries.

  • Is "truly yours" formal or informal?

The idiom "truly yours" can be formal and informal, depending on the context and the tone. It is usually formal and polite when used as a letter or email sign-off. It is generally relaxed and humorous when used as a self-reference in a conversation.

  • What is the difference between "truly yours" and "yours truly"?

The difference between "truly yours" and "yours truly" is mainly in the word order and the usage. "Truly yours" is more commonly used as a letter or email sign-off, while "yours truly" is more widely used as a self-reference in a conversation. However, both idioms can be used interchangeably in some cases.

  • Can you use "truly yours" in a business letter?

You can use "truly yours" in a business letter if you have a close or personal relationship with the person you are writing to. However, if you want to be more formal and professional, you may want to use other expressions such as "Sincerely yours," "Respectfully yours," or "Kind regards.

  • Can you use "truly yours" in an essay?

You should not use "truly yours" in an essay unless quoting someone else who used it. The idiom "truly yours" is too informal and colloquial for academic writing. Instead, you should use more appropriate expressions such as "In conclusion," "To sum up," or "In summary."

  • Is it considered outdated to use "truly yours" in modern communications?

While it may be less common in very informal and casual communications, "truly yours" is not considered outdated and can still be used appropriately in various contexts.

  • Can "truly yours" be used in personal correspondence?

While it's more commonly associated with formal or professional communication, you can use "truly yours" in personal letters or emails if you wish to express a high level of sincerity and formality. However, in personal contexts, more casual closings like "sincerely" or "with love" are often preferred.

  • Is it necessary to use "truly yours" in every formal letter?

No, it is not necessary to use "truly yours" in every formal letter. The choice of closing phrase can vary depending on your personal style, the recipient, and the nature of the communication. Use it when it feels appropriate.

  • Is there a gender-specific connotation to "truly yours"?

"Truly yours" is a gender-neutral closing phrase and can be used by anyone in any situation. It does not carry any gender-specific connotations.

Final Thoughts About "Truly Yours"

The idiom "truly yours" is a versatile and expressive way of ending a letter or an email. It may have originated from older expressions such as "Your humble servant," "Please accept my sincere regards," or "Farewell."

Here are some key points to remember about this idiom:

  • It can be used in various contexts and situations.
  • It has some synonyms and related expressions that can be used interchangeably.
  • It has also appeared in many forms of pop culture, such as movies, songs, books, and TV shows.

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