Definition of form letter

The term "form letter" refers to a prewritten, standardized letter that is used for specific purposes and sent to multiple recipients. The concept of form letters dates back to the 19th century when businesses began using similar letters to respond to routine inquiries or requests. These letters were typically called "standard form letters" or "form business letters." The term "form letter" gained popularity in the early 20th century as advancements in printing technology made it easier to mass-produce and distribute these standardized communications. The use of form letters became particularly prevalent in the business world, where companies would send out letters to customers, suppliers, or employees, using a template to ensure consistency and efficiency. Over time, the concept of form letters expanded beyond the business world and began to be used in various other contexts, such as political campaigns, fundraising appeals, and job applications. Today, form letters are widely used in digital communication, where they are often referred to as "template emails" or "canned responses." Whether in a business, political, or personal context, form letters continue to serve as a convenient and efficient way to communicate routine messages to multiple recipients at once.