convivial

[ kuhn-viv-ee-uhl ]

adjective

1. friendly; agreeable:

   a convivial atmosphere.

   Synonyms: genial, companionable, sociable

2. fond of feasting, drinking, and merry company; jovial.
3. of or befitting a feast; festive.

convivial

/ kənˈvɪvɪəl /

adjective

1. sociable; jovial or festive

   a convivial atmosphere

Derived Forms

• conˈvivialist, noun
• conˈvivially, adverb
• conˌviviˈality, noun

Other Words From

• con·viv·i·al·ist noun
• con·viv·i·al·i·ty [k, uh, n-viv-ee-, al, -i-tee], noun
• con·viv·i·al·ly adverb
• non·con·viv·i·al adjective
• non·con·viv·i·al·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of convivial¹

First recorded in 1660–70; from Late Latin convīviālis “festal,” equivalent to Latin convīvi(um) “feast” ( convīv(ere) “to live together, dine together” ( con- con- + vīvere “to live”) + -ium -ium ) + -ālis -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of convivial¹

C17: from Late Latin convīviālis pertaining to a feast, from Latin convīvium, a living together, banquet, from vīvere to live

Example Sentences

It appears they both accomplished what they set out to do when it comes to issues and the debate watchers were happy to see a convivial debate.

From Salon

Plus, they capture the convivial spirit of coastal Southern cuisine, making the cooking experience enjoyable and rewarding.

From Salon

On Monday the two are expected to sit down for what many expect to be a convivial chat.

From BBC

In another, an elaborate video montage of the brilliant and outspoken singer Eartha Kitt can be viewed from comfortably upholstered furniture in a convivial living room.

From Los Angeles Times

“Americans in Paris: Artists Working in Postwar France, 1946-1962,” at the Grey Art Museum at N.Y.U., celebrates the convivial, informal and often self-directed education of expatriates in the French capital after World War II.

From New York Times

Related Words

• cheerful
• clubby
• festive
• genial
• hearty
• jolly
• jovial
• lively
• pleasant
• sociable