hospitable

American  

[hos-pi-tuh-buhl, ho-spit-uh-buhl] / ˈhɒs pɪ tə bəl, hɒˈspɪt ə bəl /

adjective

1. receiving or treating guests or strangers warmly and generously.

   a hospitable family.

2. characterized by or betokening warmth and generosity toward guests or strangers.

   a hospitable smile.

3. favorably receptive or open (usually followed byto ).

   to be hospitable to new ideas; a climate hospitable to the raising of corn.

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hospitable British  

/ ˈhɒspɪtəbəl, hɒˈspɪt- /

adjective

1. welcoming to guests or strangers

2. fond of entertaining

3. receptive

   hospitable to new ideas

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Other Word Forms

• hospitableness
  noun
• hospitably
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of hospitable

First recorded in 1560–70; from Latin hospitā(re) “to receive as guest” (compare Latin hospitārī “to be a guest”; see hospitium) + -ble

Explanation

When someone makes you feel comfortable and at home, that person is being hospitable, providing a warm, friendly environment. Anything hospitable is welcoming and open. A Greek proverb suggested that in being hospitable, the main feeling should be good will. The basis for the word hospitable is the Latin hospes, which refers to welcoming a guest, a word that evolved into meaning "to entertain." Consider that being hospitable means, as someone once said, “making your guests feel at home, even though you wish they were.” In other words, entertaining them. (You can also “entertain” new ideas with an open, hospitable mind.)

Example Sentences

"We don't know yet if any planets orbiting M dwarfs are hospitable to life, but I feel confident that space weather is going to be an important part of answering that question."

From Science Daily • Mar. 27, 2026

Many are leaving the corporate world, in part, because it has become less hospitable.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

"The Irish golf fans are some of the best in the world. They are so passionate about the game, so hospitable and so down to earth," he said.

From BBC • Mar. 4, 2026

The stock is now priced around $150, existing in a world that might—might!—be less hospitable to the absurdity that once sent it to the moon.

From Slate • Feb. 3, 2026

“You’d better see what you have got before you think of having company,” said Meg, when informed of the hospitable but rash act.

From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott

Related Words

• congenial
• courteous
• friendly
• neighborly