genial

adjective ge·nial \ 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 freely expressing sympathy or friendliness

your genial host

4 :displaying or marked by genius

genial insights

—

geniality

play \ˌjē-nē-ˈa-lə-tē, jēn-ˈyal-\ noun

—

genially

play \ˈjēn-yə-lē\ adverb

genial was our Word of the Day on 08/29/2013. Hear the podcast!

Origin and Etymology of genial

Latin genialis, from genius

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First Known Use: circa 1547

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Synonym Discussion of genial

gracious, cordial, affable, genial, sociable mean markedly pleasant and easy in social intercourse. gracious implies courtesy and kindly consideration.

- the gracious award winner thanked her colleagues

cordial stresses warmth and heartiness.

- our host was cordial as he greeted us

affable implies easy approachability and readiness to respond pleasantly to conversation or requests or proposals.

- though wealthy, she was affable to all

genial stresses cheerfulness and even joviality.

- a genial companion with a ready quip

sociable suggests a genuine liking for the companionship of others.

- sociable people who enjoy entertaining

genial

adjective ge·ni·al \ ji-ˈnī(-ə)l \

Definition of genial

:of or relating to the chin

Origin and Etymology of genial

Greek geneion chin, from genys jaw — more at chin

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1828

See Words from the same year

Other Anatomy Terms

bilateral symmetry, carotid, cartilage, dorsal, entrails, prehensile, renal, solar plexus, supine, thoracic, ventral

GENIAL Defined for Kids

genial

adjective ge·nial \ ˈjēn-yəl \

Definition of genial for Students

:cheerful and pleasant

a genial host

—

genially

\ˈjēn-yə-lē\ adverb

Medical Dictionary

genial

adjective ge·ni·al \ ji-ˈnī(-ə)l \

medical Definition of genial

:of or relating to the chin

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See words that rhyme with genial Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for genial Spanish Central: Translation of genial Nglish: Translation of genial for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of genial for Arabic speakers

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Definition of genial

geniality

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genial was our Word of the Day on 08/29/2013. Hear the podcast!

Origin and Etymology of genial

Synonym Discussion of genial

genial

Definition of genial

Origin and Etymology of genial

Other Anatomy Terms

GENIAL Defined for Kids

genial

Definition of genial for Students

genially

Medical Dictionary

genial

medical Definition of genial

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