comfortable

[ kuhm-fer-tuh-buhl, kuhmf-ter-buhl ]

adjective

1. (of clothing, furniture, etc.) producing or affording physical comfort, support, or ease:

   a comfortable chair;

   comfortable shoes.

2. being in a state of physical or mental comfort; contented and undisturbed; at ease:

   to be comfortable in new shoes;

   I don't feel comfortable in the same room with her.

3. (of a person, situation, etc.) producing mental comfort or ease; easy to accommodate oneself to or associate with:

   She's a comfortable person to be with.

4. more than adequate or sufficient:

   a comfortable salary.

5. Obsolete. cheerful.

noun

1. Chiefly Northern U.S. a quilted bedcover; comforter.

comfortable

/ ˈkʌmftəbəl; ˈkʌmfətəbəl /

adjective

1. giving comfort or physical relief
2. at ease
3. free from affliction or pain
4. (of a person or situation) relaxing
5. informal.
   having adequate income
6. informal.
   (of income) adequate to provide comfort

Derived Forms

• ˈcomfortably, adverb
• ˈcomfortableness, noun

Other Words From

• com·fort·a·ble·ness com·fort·a·bil·i·ty [kuhm-fer-t, uh, -, bil, -i-tee, kuhmf-ter-, bil, -i-tee], noun
• com·fort·a·bly adverb
• qua·si-com·fort·a·ble adjective
• qua·si-com·fort·a·bly adverb
• su·per·com·fort·a·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of comfortable¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English word from Anglo-French word confortable. See comfort, -able

Example Sentences

I need to resist my urge to talk them into my truth, just so I can feel more comfortable and secure.

From The Daily Beast

His goal: to make the perfect (and absolutely comfortable) high-heel, with the help from Nike CEO Mark Parker.

From The Daily Beast

But she was less comfortable with it before she was an established name in fashion.

From The Daily Beast

The resulting Wool Runners were comfortable, eco-friendly, machine-washable, and super cute—and sold out almost immediately.

From The Daily Beast

I do not recall what sort of aeroplane Mr. Hughes had at the time; however, it was quite comfortable, as I recall.

From The Daily Beast

Behold a dumpy, comfortable British paterfamilias in a light flannel suit and a faded sun hat.

From Project Gutenberg

"She used to be so well—so bright," said Angela, who also appeared to have the desire to say something kind and comfortable.

From Project Gutenberg

Not but that a cabriolet is a good vehicle of its sort: I know of few more comfortable.

From Project Gutenberg

The lazy giant was sprawling on the most comfortable of the sofas; the pair were alone in the dainty little drawing-room.

From Project Gutenberg

However, the fires were stirred up, and things made as comfortable as circumstances would admit of.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• appropriate
• complacent
• convenient
• cozy
• easy
• enjoyable
• happy
• healthy
• loose
• pleasant
• pleased
• relaxed
• satisfying
• serene
• snug
• soft
• useful
• warm