Meaning of Letter (What is, Concept and Definition)

What is a Letter:

The letter is a means through which a person or institution communicates with another by sending a message that may well be written on paper or in a digital medium.The word, as such, comes from the Latin letter , which in turn comes from the Greek χάρτης (chartēs).

The paper letter is usually folded in a sealed envelope, on whose front the name and address of the recipient appear, while on the reverse are the name and address of the sender.

The letter digital , meanwhile, typical of the new information and communication technologies, refers to all those electronic communications similar to the letter, which occur mainly in emails and other digital media.

The letter is composed of a text addressed to another person to whom an issue or situation is exposed or described.

It must be written with c Oherence, organization and clarity, and should be written in an appropriate and concise language, with a courteous or kind attitude, and spelling correction, since the purpose of any letter is, in general, to cause a favorable reaction in the recipient.

See also:

Parts of the letter

The letters conventionally contain some relevant information for both the sender and the receiver.Fundamentally:

• Date and place in which it was written,
• Greetings,
• Body containing the introduction and presentation of the matter,
• Farewell and
• Signature or name of the person who writes it.

In addition, a letter may also contain:

• Institutional letterhead,
• Address,
• Postscript for matters not referred to in the body of the letter and
• Final references, etc.

See also Parts of a letter.

Card types

There are basically two types of card according to their grade d and formality:

• The informal letter , which is the type of letter sent to friends, family and acquaintances with whom we have a close relationship, and
• The formal letter , which is the one used in professional or institutional communications that are of some importance or seriousness.

Depending on the formality or informality of the letter, it is convenient to adapt the type of language to the situation of solemnity, gravity or distension.

See also formal letter.

Types of letter according to the intention

These two types of letters, in addition, are subdivided into other card styles depending on their intent.For example:

• Open letter , which is addressed to a person specifically, but that can be made public by the interest of the subject in it.
• Letter of petition , to request a favor.
• Invitation letter , to extend a treat to a person.
• Presentation letter , is the one addressed to a potential employer to make a brief presentation of our professional interests, our strengths and potential.
• Letter of condolences , to express our condolences to a person on the occasion of the death of a loved one for the recipient.
• Letter of apology , to express our excuses for inappropriate behavior or conduct on our part.
• Letter of justification , to explain our reasons for acting in a certain way.
• Letter of congratulation , to express our wishes to another person.
• Letter of recommendation , to show our support and trust to a person.
• Letter of exhortation or advice , to tell someone what we think and what we think in a given situation.

See also Business Letter.