Main Entry: ¹ge·nial

Pronunciation: \ˈjēn-yəl, ˈjē-nē-əl\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Latin genialis, from genius

Date: 1566

1 obsolete : of or relating to marriage or generation <the genial bed — John Milton>
2 obsolete : inborn, native
3 a : favorable to growth or comfort : mild <genial sunshine> b : marked by or diffusing sympathy or friendliness <your genial host>
4 : displaying or marked by genius

synonyms see gracious

— ge·nial·i·ty \ˌjē-nē-ˈa-lə-tē, jēn-ˈyal-\ noun

— ge·nial·ly \ˈjēn-yə-lē\ adverb