genial

¹

[ jeen-yuhl, jee-nee-uhl ]

adjective

1. warmly and pleasantly cheerful; cordial:

   a genial disposition;

   a genial host.

   Synonyms: agreeable, pleasant, hearty, friendly

2. favorable for life, growth, or comfort; pleasantly warm; comfortably mild:

   the genial climate of Hawaii.

3. characterized by genius.

genial

²

[ juh-nahy-uhl ]

adjective

, Anatomy, Zoology.

1. of or relating to the chin.

genial

¹

/ dʒɪˈniːəl /

adjective

1. anatomy of or relating to the chin

genial

²

/ ˈdʒiːnjəl; -nɪəl; ˌdʒiːnɪˈælɪtɪ /

adjective

1. cheerful, easy-going, and warm in manner or behaviour
2. pleasantly warm, so as to give life, growth, or health

   the genial sunshine

Derived Forms

• ˈgenially, adverb
• geniality, noun

Other Words From

• gen·ial·ly adverb
• ge·ni·al·i·ty [jee-nee-, al, -i-tee], gen·ial·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of genial¹

First recorded in 1560–70; from Latin geniālis “festive, jovial, pleasant,” equivalent to geni(us), a tutelary deity, the spirit of social enjoyment + -ālis -al ¹; genius ( def )

Origin of genial²

1825–35; < Greek génei ( on ) chin, derivative of gén ( ys ) jaw (compare Latin gena ) + -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of genial¹

C19: from Greek geneion, from genus jaw

Origin of genial²

C16: from Latin geniālis relating to birth or marriage, from genius tutelary deity; see genius

Example Sentences

He has a similar aw-shucks, genial manner — easy to laugh and quick to offer a cup of tea — that belies the strange hive of imagery buzzing inside his head.

From Los Angeles Times

Considering Bradley’s genial nature, Nikki was shocked to see him react the way he did Sunday.

From Los Angeles Times

Bozeman, a seven-year pro who spent the previous two seasons with the Carolina Panthers, is known more around the league for his genial nature.

From Los Angeles Times

That, to be sure, is no cure for depression, but “How to Die Alone,” though certainly not free from conflict, is a genial series, full of people being sweet.

From Los Angeles Times

He joined me on Zoom from the exercise room in his Santa Barbara home, genial, open and keeping an ear out for Sonny.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• affable
• amiable
• cheerful
• cheery
• chipper
• congenial
• convivial
• easygoing
• gentle
• good-natured
• gracious
• jolly
• jovial
• kindly
• pleasant
• sociable
• sunny
• upbeat