The spelling of the term "business letter" can be broken down using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription. The first syllable, "busi-", is pronounced with a short u sound, represented as /ˈbɪzɪ/ in IPA. The second syllable, "-ness", features a schwa sound, as represented by /nəs/. The final syllable, "-letter", is pronounced with a short e sound, represented in IPA as /ˈlɛtə/. Therefore, the complete spelling of "business letter" can be transcribed as /ˈbɪzɪnəs ˈlɛtə/.
A business letter is a formal written communication sent by a person or a company to another person or company with the purpose of conveying important information, making inquiries, or requesting specific actions. It is usually typed or printed on company letterhead and follows a set structure and format.
The structure of a business letter typically includes the sender's address and contact information, followed by the date. The recipient's address and contact details are placed below that, followed by a salutation or greeting. The body of the letter contains the main message, which is usually divided into several paragraphs to ensure clarity and organization. The letter is concluded with a closing phrase, followed by the sender's signature and printed name.
Business letters are used in a variety of situations, such as applying for a job, communicating with clients, addressing customer complaints, seeking partnerships, or making formal business proposals. They are characterized by their professionalism, precision, and adherence to the conventions of formal written communication. Business letters should use a polite and respectful tone, and the language should be clear, concise, and free from grammatical errors.
In summary, a business letter is a formal written document used in professional settings to communicate important information, requests, or inquiries between individuals or companies. Its structure, format, and language are designed to convey professionalism and facilitate effective communication in a formal business environment.
The etymology of the term "business letter" can be traced back to Old English and Latin origins.
The term "business" originated from the Old English word "bisignes", which meant "anxiety, care, occupation, or a state of being busy". It shares linguistic roots with other Germanic languages such as German ("beschäftigen") and Dutch ("bezighouden") with similar meanings.
The word "letter" comes from the Latin term "littera", which referred to written communication or a written character. It also evolved from the Old English word "læȝere" or "lǣre", which meant "document, charter, or a thing laid down".
Hence, the combination of "business" and "letter" refers to a written form of communication specifically related to commercial or professional matters.