Definition of convivial
: relating to, occupied with, or fond of feasting, drinking, and good company a convivial host a convivial gathering
People Are Reading
convivial was our Word of the Day on 09/09/2007. Hear the podcast!
Theme music by Joshua Stamper ©2006 New Jerusalem Music/ASCAP
Examples of convivial in a Sentence
the hiking club attracts a wide range of convivial people who share a love of the outdoors
Did You Know?
Convivial traces to "convivium," a Latin word meaning "banquet," and tends to suggest a mood of full-bellied joviality. Charles Dickens aptly captures that sense in his novel David Copperfield: "We had a beautiful little dinner. Quite an elegant dish of fish; the kidney-end of a loin of veal, roasted; fried sausage-meat; a partridge, and a pudding. There was wine, and there was strong ale.... Mr. Micawber was uncommonly convivial. I never saw him such good company. He made his face shine with the punch, so that it looked as if it had been varnished all over. He got cheerfully sentimental about the town, and proposed success to it."
Origin and Etymology of convivial
Late Latin convivialis, from Latin convivium banquet, from com- + vivere to live — more at quick
First Known Use: circa 1668
CONVIVIAL Defined for English Language Learners
convivial
playDefinition of convivial for English Language Learners
-
: of or relating to social events where people can eat, drink, and talk in a friendly way with others
Learn More about convivial
-
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for convivial Spanish Central: Translation of convivial Nglish: Translation of convivial for Spanish speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up convivial? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!