genial

[ jeen-yuhl, jee-nee-uhl ]

/ ˈdʒin yəl, ˈdʒi ni əl /

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See synonyms for: genial / geniality / genially / genialness on Thesaurus.com

adjective

warmly and pleasantly cheerful; cordial: a genial disposition; a genial host.

favorable for life, growth, or comfort; pleasantly warm; comfortably mild: the genial climate of Hawaii.

characterized by genius.

OTHER WORDS FOR genial

1 friendly, hearty, pleasant, agreeable.

See synonyms for genial on Thesaurus.com

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Origin of 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

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. 2023

How to use genial in a sentence

One night, the genial host actually had on a tie beneath his jacket.
Tom Sietsema’s 8 favorite places to eat right now|Tom Sietsema|January 26, 2021|Washington Post
With her toothy smile and genial radiance, utterly void of pretense, Eleanor epitomized grace under pressure, folksy common sense, loyalty to friends and a bedrock belief in American democratic virtues.
A modest rebel: The paradoxical personality of Eleanor Roosevelt|Douglas Brinkley|November 6, 2020|Washington Post
Stripped of Borat’s genial imbecility, the general unfunniness and cruelty of the bits become apparent for all to see.
You should side with Borat’s victims, not mock them|Sonny Bunch|October 30, 2020|Washington Post
Knowing that the preferred company tone is one of genial informality, for instance, will prevent an errant support assistant from being overly critical.
How to create a consistent omnichannel customer experience|Rodney Laws|October 22, 2020|Search Engine Watch

The angry and defensive manner is replaced by a sincere warmth and geniality.
Rediscovering Richard Dawkins: An Interview|J.P. O’Malley|September 23, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Might someone have given him a check between September and March to reward him for his overflowing geniality?
Hollywood's Hottest Party Hopper|Jacob Bernstein|March 25, 2010|DAILY BEAST
There was a sort of geniality and inward fire about him at which I warmed my hands.
The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition Vol. 25 (of 25)|Robert Louis Stevenson
The ruddy countenance of the pumpkin was the very picture of geniality.
By the Christmas Fire|Samuel McChord Crothers
They are wanting in geniality, and apparently wanting in reflectiveness.
The Contemporary Review, January 1883|Various
Then, with a misleading geniality: "This idea of restitution seems to me very right and proper."
The Open Question|Elizabeth Robins
He wished to stand well with his neighbours, but lacked the geniality which is the very body, the outside expression of humanity.
There and Back|George MacDonald

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

genial

OTHER WORDS FOR genial

Origin of genial

OTHER WORDS FROM 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