Convivial
What it means
Warmly sociable and full of shared enjoyment.
Reach for it when describing a gathering, host, or atmosphere that encourages easy company
A convivial supper followed the final community rehearsal.
Words to choose between 6
| playful | |
|---|---|
| everyday | |
| warm | |
| formal | |
| literary |
|
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playful
Fits when laughter and high spirits are the point
Careful Merry sounds seasonal or old-fashioned and may imply louder enjoyment.
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everyday
Fits when people readily enjoy interaction
Careful Sociable is neutral and lacks the shared festivity of convivial.
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warm
Fits when company feels comfortable and pleasant
Careful Companionable can be quiet and intimate rather than lively.
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warm
Fits when celebration shapes the atmosphere
Careful A festive event can be crowded or formal without easy social warmth.
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formal
Fits when a person's friendly good humor puts others at ease
Careful Genial describes manner more naturally than a whole occasion.
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literary
Fits when British wording praises easy social company
Careful Clubbable can evoke exclusive clubs and applies chiefly to people.
Opposites 3
- unsociable
- gloomy
- strained
Common phrases 3
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convivial atmosphere
A convivial atmosphere grew around the shared kitchen table.
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convivial evening
The convivial evening ended early enough for the morning crew.
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convivial host
A convivial host made introductions without forcing conversation.
Usage notes
Keep in mind
Convivial historically carries associations with feasting and drinking; do not imply alcohol when the setting or audience makes that unwelcome.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Paul2520, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Updated