genial

First recorded in 1560–70; from Latin geniālis “festive, jovial, pleasant,” equivalent to geni(us) (a tutelary deity, the spirit of social enjoyment) + -ālis adjective suffix (see -al¹)

OTHER WORDS FROM genial

gen·ial·ly, adverbge·ni·al·i·ty

[jee-nee-al-i-tee], /ˌdʒi niˈæl ɪ ti/, gen·ial·ness, nouno·ver·ge·ni·al·i·ty, noun

Words nearby genial

Genevese, Genevieve, Genf, Genfersee, Genghis Khan, genial, genially, genial tubercle, genic, genicular, genicular vein

Other definitions for genial (2 of 2)

genial²

[ juh-nahy-uhl ]

/ dʒəˈnaɪ əl /

adjective Anatomy, Zoology.

of or relating to the chin.

Origin of genial

1825–35; <Greek génei(on) chin, derivative of gén(ys) jaw (compare Latin gena) + -al¹

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use genial in a sentence

A genial but shrewd interviewer, Taberski paints a sometimes inspiring, often critical portrait of a society redefining its identity in the wake of tragedy.
The 10 Best Podcasts of 2021|Eliana Dockterman|December 2, 2021|Time
For fans of the hit CBS sitcom How I Met Your Mother, Cobie Smulders will always be synonymous with Robin Scherbatsky, the genial journalist formerly known as “Robin Sparkles” and titular aunt of Ted Mosby’s kids.
Cobie Smulders on Her Stunning Transformation Into Devious Ann Coulter|Marlow Stern|September 10, 2021|The Daily Beast
Video of the stop, recorded on multiple body cameras, shows a trooper and Lara having a genial conversation, with Lara agreeing to be searched.
A former Marine was pulled over for following a truck too closely. Police took nearly $87,000 of his cash.|Matt Zapotosky|September 1, 2021|Washington Post
By this point, you should be imagining me as genial and easygoing, a fellow reader rather than a pontificating critic, someone who clearly knows a lot about books but also a guy who doesn’t make a big deal of it.
The greatest prison escape ever? ‘The Confidence Men’ tells a sensational true story.|Michael Dirda|June 16, 2021|Washington Post

The genial gentleman at the register at first wasn’t sure what I was ordering, but after I pointed to its alluring picture on the light-up menu, and he confirmed that I, in fact, wanted “the new thing,” we were able to seal the deal.
Burger King’s new spicy chicken sandwich is a worthy competitor, but it won’t dethrone Popeyes|Emily Heil|June 4, 2021|Washington Post
And finally, they meet Un (Randall Park), who appears to be nothing but genial and fun-loving—especially to Dave.
Sony’s ‘The Interview’: A Glorious, Patriotic, and Katy Perry-Filled Mess|Marlow Stern|December 24, 2014|DAILY BEAST
All was jolly and genial between the king of late night and the pretender to the throne.
Stephen Colbert’s Groveling ‘Late Show’ Debut|Tom Shales|April 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Some wandered in a genial trance wearing the faraway, slightly shell-shocked look of the recently colonically irrigated.
My Week At An Austrian Fat Camp|Owen Matthews|October 27, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Hiddleston, a genial fellow, looks mighty dapper in a bespoke three-piece suit.
Tom Hiddleston On His Rocker-Vampire in ‘Only Lovers Left Alive,’ ‘Thor 2,’ and ‘Avengers 2’|Marlow Stern|September 7, 2013|DAILY BEAST
It was a culture nibbling on the genial jingoism of Norman Vincent Peale and being made somewhat uncomfortable by Adlai Stevenson.
Why Elvis Presley Never Really Died|Larry Durstin|August 16, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Big Reginald took their lives at pool, and pocketed their half-crowns in an easy genial way, which almost made losing a pleasure.
The Pit Town Coronet, Volume I (of 3)|Charles James Wills
Society likes their genial companionship, and they are favourites with, and favoured alike by young and old.
The World Before Them|Susanna Moodie
Mr. Wadsworth spoke in his genial voice: Its a beautiful thing, daughters, to help a good man live a good life.
Tessa Wadsworth's Discipline|Jennie M. Drinkwater
Even the gossip of the vicar's wife, or the genial chat of the vicar himself, failed to interest her.
The Pit Town Coronet, Volume II (of 3)|Charles James Wills
Accustomed to the Scotch mists, this rain seemed a genial shower, and Sir James was enjoying it accordingly.
Elster's Folly|Mrs. Henry Wood

British Dictionary definitions for genial (1 of 2)

genial¹

/ (ˈdʒiːnjəl, -nɪəl) /

adjective

cheerful, easy-going, and warm in manner or behaviour

pleasantly warm, so as to give life, growth, or healththe genial sunshine

Derived forms of genial

geniality (ˌdʒiːnɪˈælɪtɪ) or genialness, noungenially, adverb

Word Origin for genial

C16: from Latin geniālis relating to birth or marriage, from genius tutelary deity; see genius

British Dictionary definitions for genial (2 of 2)

genial²

/ (dʒɪˈniːəl) /

adjective

anatomy of or relating to the chin

Word Origin for genial

C19: from Greek geneion, from genus jaw

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medical definitions for genial

genial

[ jĭ-nī′əl ]

adj.

Of or relating to the chin.

genial

OTHER WORDS FOR genial

Origin of genial

OTHER WORDS FROM genial

Words nearby genial

Other definitions for genial (2 of 2)

Origin of genial

Words related to genial

How to use genial in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for genial (1 of 2)

Derived forms of genial

Word Origin for genial

British Dictionary definitions for genial (2 of 2)

Word Origin for genial

Medical definitions for genial