Writing & StyleStyle guide

V/R Meaning in Email

“V/R” is an abbreviation for “Very Respectfully” used as an email closing in U.S. military correspondence. Official Navy professional-etiquette guidance recognizes both the full phrase and “V/R” in subsequent email responses, giving the abbreviation a clear contextual rather than universal professional use.

Quick answer

“V/R” means “Very Respectfully.” It is a compact email closing associated especially with U.S. military correspondence; outside that context, a more familiar sign-off may be clearer.

Key details

Core Issue“V/R” is an abbreviation of “Very Respectfully” used as an email closing in U.S. military correspondence contexts.
Phrase Roleemail sign-off
Registermilitary / formal correspondence

Important caveats

Context Boundary

The cited Navy guidance treats “Very Respectfully” or “V/R” as sufficient in subsequent email responses. Outside military or closely related government contexts, spelling out the closing or using a more familiar professional sign-off may be clearer.

Further guidance

Meaning

“V/R” expands to “Very Respectfully.” It appears as a closing immediately before the sender’s name or signature information.

Practical Application

Treat “V/R” as a context-specific closing meaning “Very Respectfully,” particularly in U.S. military correspondence. Use the full phrase or a more familiar sign-off when the recipient may not recognize the abbreviation.

Reader Check

Does the audience share the convention, and would expanding the closing remove any ambiguity without changing the intended level of respect?

Worked Example

Example: in an established military email thread, “V/R, Jordan Lee” may be understood; in a general business email, “Respectfully” or “Best regards” is usually clearer.

Sources and evidence

Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.

  1. Naval Acquisition Development Program Consolidated Quick Reference Guide — Professional Etiquette (opens in a new tab)U.S. Department of the Navy · Official email-etiquette guidance recognizing “Very Respectfully” or “V/R” in subsequent email responses

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