If you have ever received a professional email that ended with the letters VR, you might have paused for a moment and wondered what they meant. You are not alone. This short abbreviation often appears in formal emails, yet many people are unsure of its exact meaning, tone, and correct usage.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explain what VR means in email, where it comes from, how it is used in real-life communication, and how it compares to similar email sign-offs. By the end, you will feel confident using or understanding VR in professional and polite email conversations.
Definition
VR in email stands for Very Respectfully.
It is a formal email closing used to show high respect, professionalism, and courtesy, especially in official, military, legal, or corporate communication.
Understanding VR in Email Communication
VR is an email sign-off that conveys respect and professionalism. It is typically placed at the end of an email, just before the sender’s name.
Unlike casual closings such as Thanks or Best, VR signals a more formal relationship between the sender and the recipient. It is most often used when addressing superiors, officials, clients, or individuals you do not know personally.
Origin and Background of VR
Where Did VR Come From?
The phrase Very Respectfully has its roots in formal letter writing, particularly in:
- Military correspondence
- Government communication
- Legal documentation
In military tradition, showing respect through written communication has always been essential. Over time, the phrase was shortened to VR to save space while still maintaining a respectful tone.
As email replaced traditional letters, VR carried over into digital communication, especially in structured professional environments.
Why VR Is Still Used Today
Even in modern email communication, VR remains popular because it:
- Signals professionalism
- Shows courtesy without sounding emotional
- Maintains formality
- Respects hierarchy and authority
Many organizations continue to value traditional communication standards, making VR relevant even today.
When to Use VR in an Email
VR is not for every situation. It works best in formal or semi-formal contexts.
Appropriate Situations for VR
- Writing to senior management
- Communicating with government officials
- Military or defense-related emails
- Legal or compliance-related messages
- First-time professional introductions
- Formal business requests
Situations Where VR May Feel Too Formal
- Emails to close colleagues
- Friendly team communication
- Casual client conversations
- Informal internal discussions
Tone and Meaning of VR in Emails
The tone of VR is:
- Respectful
- Polite
- Formal
- Professional
It does not express emotion such as gratitude or friendliness. Instead, it conveys courtesy and respect.
Tone Examples
- Neutral professional tone for official matters
- Respectful tone when addressing authority
- Reserved tone without personal warmth
Examples of VR in Email Context
Example 1: Formal Business Email
Subject Project Status Update
Dear Mr. Ahmed,
Please find the updated report attached for your review. Kindly let me know if any changes are required.
VR,
Asif Ali
Example 2: Government or Official Email
Dear Sir,
I am writing to request clarification regarding the submitted documents. Thank you for your assistance.
VR,
Operations Manager
Example 3: Military or Highly Formal Use
Sir,
The requested information has been submitted for approval.
VR,
Captain John Smith
Is VR Friendly or Cold?
VR is respectful, not cold, but it is not friendly in a casual sense. It is emotionally neutral and formal.
If your goal is warmth or friendliness, VR may not be the best choice. However, if your goal is professionalism and respect, VR is very effective.
Comparison With Similar Email Closings
| Email Closing | Tone | Best Used For |
|---|---|---|
| VR | Very formal and respectful | Military, government, senior management |
| Respectfully | Formal and polite | Official or professional emails |
| Sincerely | Professional and neutral | Business and corporate communication |
| Best regards | Polite and semi-formal | Clients and colleagues |
| Kind regards | Friendly but professional | Ongoing professional relationships |
| Thanks | Casual and friendly | Informal emails |
VR vs Respectfully
Both VR and Respectfully convey politeness, but there is a subtle difference.
VR expresses a higher level of respect and is more formal. Respectfully can be used in slightly less formal settings and is more common in modern business communication.
VR vs Best Regards
Best regards is warmer and more conversational. VR is reserved, structured, and hierarchical. Use Best regards when you want to sound polite but approachable. Use VR when formality matters.
Professional Alternatives to VR
If VR feels too formal, you may consider these alternatives depending on context:
- Respectfully
- Sincerely
- With appreciation
- Kind regards
- Best regards
Each alternative offers a different balance between professionalism and friendliness.
Common Mistakes When Using VR
- Using VR in casual or friendly emails
- Mixing VR with informal language in the same email
- Using VR with emojis or slang
- Using VR when writing to close colleagues
- Assuming VR expresses gratitude
VR should match the overall tone of your message.
Alternate Meanings of VR in Other Contexts
Although this article focuses on email usage, VR can mean different things elsewhere.
| Context | Meaning of VR |
|---|---|
| Technology | Virtual Reality |
| Business | Variable Rate |
| Education | Verbal Reasoning |
| Gaming | Virtual Reality |
In email sign-offs, VR almost always means Very Respectfully.
Is VR Appropriate in Modern Email?
Yes, VR is still appropriate, but only in the right context. While modern workplaces often prefer warmer closings, many industries still value traditional professionalism.
VR is especially common in:
- Military and defense sectors
- Government agencies
- Legal firms
- Formal corporate environments
How to Decide Whether to Use VR
Ask yourself:
- Is the recipient senior or authoritative
- Is the message formal or official
- Is this a first-time or high-stakes communication
If the answer is yes, VR may be appropriate.
Conclusion
Understanding what VR means in email helps you communicate more effectively and professionally. While it may not be suitable for every situation, VR remains a powerful closing when respect, formality, and professionalism are required.
Used correctly, VR signals maturity, courtesy, and awareness of professional standards. Knowing when and when not to use it can significantly improve how your emails are received.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does VR mean at the end of an email?
VR means Very Respectfully and is a formal sign-off.
Is VR outdated?
No, but it is more common in traditional or formal industries.
Can I use VR in business emails?
Yes, especially when writing to senior professionals or officials.
Is VR the same as sincerely?
No. VR is more formal and emphasizes respect rather than neutrality.
Should I use VR with coworkers?
Usually no. It may feel overly formal.
Is VR polite?
Yes. It is one of the most respectful email closings.
Can VR sound rude?
Not rude, but it can feel distant if used incorrectly.
Is VR used internationally?
Yes, especially in formal English communication worldwide.
