congeniality
Americannoun
-
the quality of being agreeable, suitable, or pleasant.
The guest rooms combine the very latest in technology with the best facilities, comfort, and congeniality.
-
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.
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
Etymology
Origin of congeniality
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."
Vocabulary lists containing congeniality
The Freedom Writers Diary
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The Poisonwood Bible
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
More stupidity ensued after some awkward moments of congeniality.
From Salon ● Mar. 1, 2025
“He trolled them. He went after them. He wasn’t going to win a congeniality contest.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 21, 2024
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 ● Jan. 3, 2024
“Minnesota nice,” the stereotype of the Upper Midwest’s congeniality, needs an asterisk denoting an exception.
From Washington Post ● Apr. 24, 2023
Besides, I didn’t become a teacher to win any congeniality contests.
From "The Freedom Writers Diary" by The Freedom Writers
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.
