What Does "Best Regards" Mean?

Question

I know I have seen this saying many times but I never knew what it meant. Someone explain. LOL

Answer 1

It is really a "sign off" in correspondence - a bit like "Yours Truly" or "LOL". Because its use is so ubiquitous it becomes almost meaningless - like "Have a nice day". So it has a semi formal usage and the original meaning is lost. The original meaning is to suggest a friendly gesture to the recipient a sort of written smile. It is the same construct as "Give my regards to." which is when A, speaking to B wishes to communicate greetings via B to C.

If these usages are shorthand what are they shorthand for? Well it might be something like "I hope that you will be well and successful and happy and that no troubles may befall you..." (etc.)

In letters and Emails etc. "Best Regards" is harmless and probably of no negative value. Use it if you like (I often do) - but it isn't a substitute for sincerity!

Answer 2

Like at the end of a letter or email

People write SIncerly....means the same thing basically.

Best regrads.....with all due respect, thank you

Answer 3

I think Regards is more formal than "Best Regards" in closing a business mail. However, "Best Regards" is more friendly in closing a business letter.

http://www.antimoon.com/forum/2004/4691....

Answer 4

It is simply a traditional way of concluding a letter. It goes back to the time when people concluded messages more formally. It means that you hold the person at the other end in "high consideration" and you send them your "best wishes".