Polite expressions of respect or good wishes, typically used in letter closings. Consideration or attention paid to something.
From Old French 'regarder', meaning 'to look at', from 're-' (back) and 'garder' (to guard/watch). The meaning evolved from 'looking at' to 'considering' to 'respect' and finally to polite greetings.
The journey from 'looking at' someone to sending them 'regards' shows how visual attention became associated with respect and care. When we send regards, we're literally sending our 'looking' - our attention and consideration!
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.