What does congenial mean Meaning and Definition
What does congenial mean
Pronunciation
/kɒnˈdʒɛniəl/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
Adequate, suitable, or pleasant; having a friendly and agreeable quality.
Examples
- The congenial atmosphere of the coffee shop made it a popular gathering place.
- She had a congenial personality and got along well with everyone.
Synonyms
- Friendly
- Adequate
- Pleasant
Antonyms
- Unpleasant
- Hostile
- Intolerant
Etymology
The word congenial comes from the Latin words “con” meaning “together” and “genialis” meaning “of kin” or “familial”. In English, it has been used since the 15th century to describe a harmonious or friendly relationship.
Usage Notes
When describing a situation or person, it’s essential to use congruent language to convey a sense of unity, cooperation, or pleasure. For example, “The team worked together congenially to complete the project.” In this context, congenial means that the team members got along well and worked harmoniously towards a common goal.
Cultural References
In popular culture, the term congenial has been used in various contexts. For instance, in a 1990s sitcom, a character described a friend as “congenially aloof,” implying that the friend was friendly while maintaining a subtle distance.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “The atmosphere was quite congenial” – suggesting a friendly and pleasant environment.
Related Words or Phrases
- cordial
- fiendly
- amicable
Collocations
- congenial atmosphere
- friendly company
- pleasant conversation
Frequency of Use
According to various linguistic resources, congenial is a relatively uncommon word in modern English, although its frequency of use has increased in recent years due to its versatility and nuanced meaning.
Common Misspellings
- congenialy
- congienal