correspondence

noun

cor·​re·​spon·​dence ˌkȯr-ə-ˈspän-dən(t)s 

ˌkär-

1

a

: communication by letters or email

also : the letters or emails exchanged

I have a pile of correspondence on my desk.

b

: the news, information, or opinion contributed by a correspondent to a newspaper or periodical

2

a

: the agreement of things with one another

the correspondence between spelling and pronunciation

b

: a particular similarity

c

: a relation between sets in which each member of one set is associated with one or more members of the other compare function sense 5a

Synonyms

• common denominator
• commonality
• congruity
• parallel
• resemblance
• similarity
• similitude

Examples of correspondence in a Sentence

They communicated by telephone and correspondence.

E-mail correspondence has become extremely important for modern businesses.

The two men began a correspondence that would continue throughout their lives.

A book of the author's personal correspondence was published early last year.

A formal tone is always used in business correspondence.

Note the correspondence of each number to a location on the map.

Sometimes there is little correspondence between the way a word is spelled and the way it is pronounced in English.

Sometimes there are few correspondences between spelling and pronunciation.

Recent Examples on the Web

Responding fairly swiftly to that letter from Team Baldoni’s Schuster this morning, Lively’s attorney Michael Gottlieb argues in his four-page letter Tuesday that the other side has been disingenuous in its correspondence and actions over this latest issue – and more. —Dominic Patten, Deadline, 25 Feb. 2025

In a report published by The Times, Knauf alleged in email correspondence to the palace’s human resources department that Meghan had bullied two palace aides. —Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News, 24 Feb. 2025

In correspondence obtained by The Times, L.A. County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath expressed frustration about L.A. Mayor Karen Bass’ lack of communication on fire recovery issues. —Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2025

The data collected in its investigations includes correspondence between executives, secret business plans and market analysis, according to one of the people. —Andrew Duehren, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see correspond

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Phrases Containing correspondence

• correspondence course
• correspondence school

Kids Definition

correspondence

noun

cor·​re·​spon·​dence ˌkȯr-ə-ˈspän-dən(t)s 

1

a

: agreement between certain things

b

: a point of similarity

c

: a relation between sets in which each member of one set is matched to one or more members of the other set

2

a

: communication by letters

b

: the letters exchanged