Recommendation Letter: Definition and Usage

Meaning 1：letter of recommendation (recommendation letter)

recommendation letter 🔊

/ˌrekəmenˈdeɪʃn ˈletər/

A formal letter someone writes to say good things about you, to help you get a job or into a school.

Recommendation letter in sealed envelope for job application

letter of recommendation 🔊

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/ˈletər əv ˌrekəmenˈdeɪʃn/

A formal document written by someone who knows you well, praising your skills and character to help you get a job or enter a school.

📁 Category：School Education 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'recommendare' (to commend) + 'littera' (letter).

💡 Mnemonic

Think: 'Recommend' + 'letter' = a letter that recommends you for success!

📖 Example

My professor agreed to write me a recommendation letter for my university application. 🔊 My professor agreed to write me a recommendation letter for my university application.

🔗 Collocations

write a recommendation letter – to compose a letter that recommends someone

strong recommendation letter – a very positive and supportive letter of recommendation

request a recommendation letter – to ask someone to write a recommendation letter for you

🔄 Synonyms

reference letter (n.) – A letter from a former employer or teacher describing your abilities and character.

letter of endorsement (n.) – A formal statement supporting someone's application.

letter of support (n.) – A document expressing approval and backing for a person's candidacy.

🚫 Antonyms

letter of rejection (n.) – A formal notice turning down an application.

negative reference (n.) – A critical letter that harms someone's chances.

🌱 Derivatives

recommend (v.) – to suggest that someone or something would be good or suitable

recommendatory (adj.) – serving to recommend; offering approval

recommender (n.) – a person who writes a recommendation

📖 Cultural Story

In Western academic and professional culture, recommendation letters are crucial for university admissions and job applications, often written by professors or supervisors who know the applicant closely.