adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of convivial
First recorded in 1660–70; from Late Latin convīviālis “festal,” equivalent to Latin convīvi(um) “feast” ( convīv(ere) “to live together, dine together” ( con- con- + vīvere “to live”) + -ium -ium ) + -ālis -al 1
Explanation
Use the adjective convivial to describe your friend who is "the life of the party." The Latin word convivium means "a feast," and when convivial was first coined in the 1660s, its meaning related to the excess of food and drink during such celebrations. You can also see convivial in convivere, meaning "to carouse together." Just when it seemed all convivial could ever do was describe people who overindulge, a new shade of meaning emerged: loving to be around people. After all, a big part of feasting is being with people you care about.
Vocabulary lists containing convivial
The Great Gatsby
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300 Most Difficult "SAT" Words
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100 SAT words Beginning with "C"
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Convivial moments will follow Mr. Salas’ press conference.
From Washington Times • Oct. 18, 2021
I have also been enjoying takeout from Convivial and the Prime Rib.
From Washington Post • Apr. 23, 2020
Convivial, with a pixie-like demeanor and soft Southern accent, his gentle manner belies his hard-line positions.
From Reuters • Nov. 18, 2016
The pilot of Convivial, one of several exciting reasons to book dinner in Shaw right now, begs diners to ask questions and dares patrons to take the road less taken.
From Washington Post • Mar. 8, 2016
In 1710 there was a certain “Mendicant’s Convivial Club” held at the “Welch’s Head” in this street.
From Notes and Queries, Number 15, February 9, 1850 by Various
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
