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. )

Explanation

People who have the quality of congeniality have a gift for getting along with others. They are warm, friendly, and probably well-suited to serve on welcoming committees. The noun congeniality is closely related to the word geniality, which means "friendliness." Congeniality can be defined the same way, but the Latin prefix con, or "with," adds a sense of connection to other people. If you can't get elected as Prom Queen, strive for the title "Miss Congeniality."

Example Sentences

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

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 21, 2024

When the neighbors discover that a property line has been misdrawn, their initial congeniality craters.

From Washington Post • Feb. 7, 2023

There is no kids menu per se, but our server went through the menu, going through flavor combinations and answering questions about spice levels with ease and congeniality.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 23, 2022

"Where else can a man find this sort of congeniality?"

From Salon • May 15, 2021

Besides, I didn’t become a teacher to win any congeniality contests.

From "The Freedom Writers Diary" by The Freedom Writers