Correspondence

Definition

Correspondence refers to the exchange of letters, messages, or communication between individuals or organizations. It can also denote the state of being in agreement, similarity, or compatibility between two or more things.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌkɔːrəˈspɑːndəns/
• Respelling: kor-uh-SPON-dəns

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌkɒrəˈspɒndəns/
• Respelling: kor-uh-SPON-dəns

The pronunciation of "correspondence" in both American and British English is largely similar, with slight variations in vowel sounds.

Etymology

The word "correspondence" comes from the Latin "correspondentia," derived from "correspondere," meaning "to answer together" or "to match." It entered the English language in the 15th century, primarily referring to written communication and, later, to the agreement or similarity between things.

Derivatives

• Correspond (verb)
• Correspondent (noun)
• Corresponsive (adjective)
• Corresponding (adjective)
• Non-correspondence (noun)

Synonyms

• Communication
• Agreement
• Similarity

Antonyms

• Disagreement
• Inconsistency
• Divergence

Usage

The word "correspondence" is often used in formal contexts to describe written communication, especially between individuals or organizations. For example: "She maintained a lengthy correspondence with her childhood friend." It can also refer to an alignment or agreement between two things, such as "The map shows a clear correspondence between the two territories."

Related Terms

• Communication: The exchange of information or ideas through various forms of interaction.
• Congruence: The state of being in agreement or harmony.
• Parallels: Similarities or correspondences between different ideas, events, or entities.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The exchange of letters or written communication: Refers to formal or informal written communication between two or more parties.
  • Example: "Their correspondence lasted for several years, documenting their evolving ideas on politics."
• A similarity or connection between two things: Refers to the state of alignment, agreement, or compatibility between two or more elements.
  • Example: "There is a clear correspondence between the results of the two experiments."