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Definition of congenial
1 : having the same nature, disposition, or tastes : kindred congenial companions
2a : existing or associated together harmoniouslyb : pleasant; especially : agreeably suited to one's nature, tastes, or outlook a congenial atmospherec : sociable, genial a congenial host
From the M-W Editors
congenial was our Word of the Day on 02/22/2011. Hear the podcast!
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Examples of congenial in a Sentence
She moved on, leaving behind the world of politics for the more congenial sphere of the arts. —Amy Fine Collins, Vanity Fair, March 2001
Jackson may walk up to home plate with the cool strut of a superstar, but off the field he is warm and congenial. —Peter Gammons, Sports Illustrated, 12 June 1989
It turned out to be, for me, one of the most congenial and, in a way, lustrous gatherings that I have ever had in the White House. —Lady Bird Johnson, 4 May 1965, in A White House Diary, 1970
The town is a congenial place for raising children.
We studied in the congenial atmosphere of the library.
He found the work to be congenial.
She was congenial and easygoing.
Recent Examples of congenial from the Web
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The congenial mixologist poured me a Buck Hunt, a mezcal, fig jam and rosemary cocktail that tasted like Thanksgiving.
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Wine flights, daily specials and a seasonal menu are part of 868’s congenial charm.
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Overall, laugh lines were scarce as the former Alabama Supreme Court chief justice spoke at a gathering hosted by the Baldwin County Young Republicans, but the mood was relaxed and congenial.
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There is comic gold in the cultural disconnect between Kumail and Emily’s congenial, if politically incorrect, father.
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Additionally, studies have found that women bring a more collaborative and congenial leadership style to governance than do men.
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The event will include fragrant teas, food, waiters, prizes and entertainment in a kooky, congenial atmosphere.
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The friction is striking, especially when held up against Trump's more congenial time in Riyadh.
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Don was so humble, so self-effacing and congenial, even his competitors loved him.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'congenial'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The History of congenial is Spiritual
According to ancient Roman and Greek mythology, each person at birth was assigned a guardian spirit. The Latin name for this attendant spirit was genius. Two people who get along well together can be thought of as sharing a similar spirit; they might even be described by a word combining the Latin prefix com- (meaning "with, together") and genius. And, indeed, it was this com-genius combination that gave rise in the 17th century to the English word congenial. (The Greek word for the guardian spirit, daimōn, gave us eudaemonia, meaning "well-being" or "happiness," but that word is extremely rare.)
Origin and Etymology of congenial
com- + genius
CONGENIAL Defined for English Language Learners
congenial
playDefinition of congenial for English Language Learners
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: suitable or appropriate
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: pleasant and enjoyable
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: very friendly
CONGENIAL Defined for Kids
congenial
playDefinition of congenial for Students
1 : alike or sympathetic in nature, disposition, or tastes
2 : existing together in harmony “We are quite as congenial as flies and honey.” — L. Frank Baum, The Marvelous Land of Oz
3 : tending to please or satisfy congenial work
4 : friendly 1
Learn More about congenial
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for congenial Spanish Central: Translation of congenial Nglish: Translation of congenial for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of congenial for Arabic speakers
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