congeniality

American  

[kuhn-jee-nee-al-i-tee] / kənˌdʒi niˈæl ɪ ti /

noun

1. the quality of being agreeable, suitable, or pleasant.

   The guest rooms combine the very latest in technology with the best facilities, comfort, and congeniality.

2. the quality of being well-matched or agreeable to each other; compatibility.

   In later years, the two men’s friendship was cemented by their intellectual and religious congeniality.

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Usage

What does congeniality mean? Congeniality is the quality of being pleasant and agreeable.Someone who’s known for their congeniality is friendly, nice, and easy to get along with. Such a person can be described as congenial.The word congeniality is typically used to refer to a quality of a person, but it can also be used to refer to the quality of a situation or environment, as in We try to maintain a sense of congeniality and camaraderie in the office. Less commonly, congeniality can refer to the quality of being well matched, as in It’s a friendship based on congeniality—they share several interests. The word compatibility is a close synonym of this sense of congeniality.Example: Jess is known around town for her congeniality—she has a kind word for everyone she meets.

Other Word Forms

• uncongeniality noun

Etymology

Origin of congeniality

congenial ( def. ) + -ity ( def. )

Example Sentences

More stupidity ensued after some awkward moments of congeniality.

From Salon

“He trolled them. He went after them. He wasn’t going to win a congeniality contest.”

From Los Angeles Times

Getting there will require a return to the congeniality of legislatures past, he said, when lawmakers often met political adversaries outside the chamber for lunch or dinner or even drinks to talk compromise.

From Seattle Times

“Minnesota nice,” the stereotype of the Upper Midwest’s congeniality, needs an asterisk denoting an exception.

From Washington Post

This season, as she tells Ted time and again, she's done being content with congeniality and team spirit.

From Salon