corespondent: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, journalistic, legal
Quick answer
What does “corespondent” mean?
A person who writes letters regularly to another person, or a person employed by a news agency to report from a particular location.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who writes letters regularly to another person, or a person employed by a news agency to report from a particular location.
In legal contexts, specifically in divorce law, a person accused of committing adultery with the respondent. This is typically spelled with a hyphen: 'co-respondent'. The general noun is also used to describe a thing or concept that corresponds to another.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in core meaning. The hyphenated legal term 'co-respondent' is used in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral in journalistic context. The legal term carries negative connotations of scandal.
Frequency
Common in news media and formal correspondence in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “corespondent” in a Sentence
correspondent for [organization]correspondent in [location]correspondent on [subject]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “corespondent” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The correspondent bank handles the transaction.
American English
- She provided a correspondent affidavit.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
A business correspondent files reports on financial markets or corporate news.
Academic
Rare in academic writing, except in media studies discussing journalistic roles.
Everyday
Used to describe a person you exchange letters with, though less common in the age of email.
Technical
In legal documents, specifically denotes the third party in a divorce case (co-respondent).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “corespondent”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “corespondent”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “corespondent”
- Misspelling as 'correspondant'.
- Confusing with 'co-respondent' (legal term) in writing.
- Using it for any journalist instead of specifically one reporting from a remote location.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A correspondent typically implies a journalist stationed in a specific location or with a specialist brief (e.g., foreign, business). A reporter is a more general term for anyone who gathers and presents news.
Yes, though it's less common. It means 'analogous' or 'similar in function', often used in formal or technical contexts (e.g., 'a correspondent increase in costs').
It can be, but 'pen pal' is strictly informal and personal. 'Correspondent' can be personal or professional and is more formal.
The hyphen in 'co-respondent' historically clarifies it as a joint respondent in a divorce suit. The hyphen helps distinguish this specific legal meaning from the general journalistic term.
A person who writes letters regularly to another person, or a person employed by a news agency to report from a particular location.
Corespondent is usually formal, journalistic, legal in register.
Corespondent: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɒr.ɪˈspɒn.dənt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɔːr.ɪˈspɑːn.dənt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “pen pal (informal equivalent for a personal correspondent)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CORRESPONDent as a person who Sends PONDered REPORTS and letters in CORRESPONDence.
Conceptual Metaphor
A correspondent is a BRIDGE or CONDUIT, connecting an audience to distant events or connecting two people through letters.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the hyphenated spelling 'co-respondent' specifically used?