First Known Use: circa 1625
Dictionary
congenial
adjective con·ge·nial \kən-ˈjē-nē-əl, -ˈjēn-yəl\
: suitable or appropriate
: pleasant and enjoyable
: very friendly
Full Definition of CONGENIAL
1
: having the same nature, disposition, or tastes : kindred <congenial companions>
2
a : existing or associated together harmoniously b : pleasant; especially : agreeably suited to one's nature, tastes, or outlook <a congenial atmosphere> c : sociable, genial <a congenial host>
— con·ge·nial·i·ty \-ˌjē-nē-ˈa-lə-tē, -ˌjēn-ˈya-\ noun
— con·ge·nial·ly \-ˈjē-nē-ə-lē, -ˈjēn-yə-\ adverb
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Examples of CONGENIAL
- She moved on, leaving behind the world of politics for the more congenial sphere of the arts. —Amy Fine Collins, Vanity Fair, March 2001
- Jackson may walk up to home plate with the cool strut of a superstar, but off the field he is warm and congenial. —Peter Gammons, Sports Illustrated, 12 June 1989
- It turned out to be, for me, one of the most congenial and, in a way, lustrous gatherings that I have ever had in the White House. —Lady Bird Johnson, 4 May 1965, in A White House Diary, 1970
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Origin of CONGENIAL
com- + genius
Related to CONGENIAL
- Synonyms
- agreeable, blessed (also blest), pleasant, darling, delectable, delicious, delightful, delightsome, dreamy, dulcet, enjoyable, felicitous, good, grateful, gratifying, heavenly, jolly, luscious, nice, palatable, pleasing, pleasurable, pretty, satisfying, savory (also savoury), sweet, tasty, welcome
- Antonyms
- disagreeable, pleasureless, unpalatable, unpleasant, unwelcome
CONGENIAL Defined for Kids
congenial
adjective con·ge·nial \kən-ˈjē-nyəl\
Definition of CONGENIAL for Kids
1
: alike or sympathetic in nature, disposition, or tastes
2
: existing together in harmony <“We are quite as congenial as flies and honey.” — L. Frank Baum, The Marvelous Land of Oz>
3
: tending to please or satisfy <congenial work>
4
: friendly 1
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