cordiality

American  

[kawr-jal-i-tee, kawr-jee-al-, -dee-al-] / kɔrˈdʒæl ɪ ti, ˌkɔr dʒiˈæl-, -diˈæl- /

noun

plural

cordialities

1. cordial quality or feeling.

   Synonyms:

   heartiness, geniality, friendliness, warmth

2. an expression of cordial feeling.

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cordiality British  

/ ˌkɔːdɪˈælɪtɪ /

noun

1. warmth of feeling

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Usage

What does cordiality mean? Cordiality is the quality of being cordial—friendly and polite.Cordial is used to describe people and their behavior toward others in social situations, especially when they do not know each other well.A cordial greeting is a warm and friendly one, especially one intended to make someone feel welcome. When you treat people with cordiality, you treat them with a sincere friendliness and warmth.Example: Even when I don’t like my coworkers, I try to treat them with cordiality. 

Other Word Forms

• uncordiality noun

Etymology

Origin of cordiality

First recorded in 1590–1600; cordial + -ity

Example Sentences

The spat caused unease in a country with a tradition of political cordiality, even between ideological foes.

From Barron's • Mar. 11, 2026

Many such ties are now strained and may never return to their past cordiality.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 9, 2023

The new cordiality was on display on Wednesday when Mr. McCarthy and Mr. Jeffries were spotted exiting the speaker’s office while engaged in a friendly and businesslike discussion.

From Washington Times • Feb. 8, 2023

After the meeting, Chinese and U.S. officials highlighted the cordiality of proceedings in a sign it could help open the door to more communication between the two militaries.

From Reuters • Jun. 10, 2022

“But of course!” he cried, making up for his first hesitations with an excess of noisy cordiality.

From "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley

Related Words

• reciprocity
• sincerity