genial

¹ge·nial

adj \ˈjēn-yəl, ˈjē-nē-əl\

Definition of GENIAL

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

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

— ge·nial·ly \ˈjēn-yə-lē\ adverb

Origin of GENIAL

Latin genialis, from genius

First Known Use: 1566

Rhymes with GENIAL

menial, venial