geniality

[ jee-nee-al-i-tee ]

noun

1. the fact or quality of being warmly and pleasantly cheerful; cordiality:

   Here you will find goodwill and loyalty from a friendly staff, who greet you with genuine northern warmth and geniality.

2. the fact or quality of being favorable for life, growth, or comfort:

   This part of California combines that geniality of soil and climate essential for the production of a light and highly flavored wine.

Other Words From

• o·ver·ge·ni·al·i·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of geniality¹

First recorded in 1600–10, for an earlier sense; from Late Latin genialitas, from Latin geniāli(s) genial ¹( def ) + -tās -ty ²( def )

Example Sentences

Seated at a long table, a glass ashtray and blue pack of American Spirit cigarettes within reach, Mellencamp, 71, spoke with a geniality that belied his outspoken reputation.

From Los Angeles Times

Even if he stands nearly a foot taller than his real-life counterpart did, he has the right combination of imposing physicality and tender geniality.

From New York Times

In an interview then, her characteristic geniality gave way to exasperation.

From New York Times

Mostly they are dignified snapshots of him shaking hands with dignitaries and voters, offering up that big, gleaming expression of geniality that was his signature, walking across a tarmac or delivering a speech.

From Washington Post

The veteran soloist, Emanuel Ax, seemed to be searching for a middle ground between his pearly geniality and Payare’s starker phrasing, and the results sounded unsettled.

From New York Times