genial
- adjective
- /ˈdʒiːniəl/
- She greeted us with a genial smile, instantly putting us at ease.
- genial artist
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Watch on YouTubeAnd he was just such a a good hearted, genial guy.
- And he was just such a a good hearted, genial guy.
Examples
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Slattery looks up at his boss, ARI LICHTER, early forties, a plump, genial man.
Fiction book (2002) -
Johnny is tall, broad-shouldered, and genial; and his good looks are as natural as Carmilla's.
Fiction book (2001) -
That is very genial of you.
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I decide to be genial with the man next to me.
Fiction book (2001) -
Your whole life you have to be genial and pleasant.
Fiction book (1995) -
This genial reception augurs well for the success of our mission.
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There is no better, more genial shipmate than Henry Belt.
Fiction book (1992) -
"I'm only allowed over the yellow line as a paying customer," said the genial proprietor from next door.
Fiction book (1999) -
"What can I do for you?" A large, genial-looking man in a ball cap sat behind the cash register.
Fiction book (1999) -
Tullister, the messenger, was a portly, red-faced man with a genial manner and a heroic appetite.
Fiction book (2001)
Synonyms
Kind and helpful toward other people
Pleasant and attractive in a way that people like
Showing kindness and affection to others
Happy and lively in a friendly way
Friendly and polite in a way that makes others feel good
Showing warm, friendly, and sincere feeling
Being friendly, cheerful, and easy to get along with
Cheerful and lively in a friendly, confident way
Friendly and pleasant in a way people like
Friendly and generous to guests so they feel welcome
Friendly and easy to talk to
Happy and friendly in a lively, joking way
Cheerful and friendly to other people
Feeling happy and full of energy
Friendly and cheerful when with other people, enjoying talk and laughter
A place or atmosphere that makes people feel relaxed and welcome
Kind and friendly to other people
Very warm and welcoming to people
Antonyms
How Friendly
Surface Forms
Morphology
genial = geni + al
The adjective is a borrowing and its meaning 'friendly' cannot be productively derived by a B1 learner from the combining form 'geni-' plus '-al'; the root is not a recognisable English base for this sense.
Etymology
Genial comes from the Latin word genialis, which was connected to a 'good spirit' or to festive, friendly occasions, so it gives the idea of warmth and welcome. So genial now means friendly, cheerful, or pleasantly warm.