convivial

adjective

con·​viv·​ial kən-ˈviv-yəl How to pronounce convivial (audio)
-ˈvi-vē-əl
Synonyms of convivialnext
: relating to, occupied with, or fond of feasting, drinking, and good company
a convivial host
a convivial gathering
conviviality
kən-ˌvi-vē-ˈa-lə-tē How to pronounce convivial (audio)
noun
convivially
kən-ˈviv-yə-lē How to pronounce convivial (audio)
-ˈvi-vē-ə-lē
adverb

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."

Synonyms

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Examples of convivial in a Sentence

the hiking club attracts a wide range of convivial people who share a love of the outdoors
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The authentic storytelling these players offer, linked to nature and evoking a simple, slow lifestyle, as well as their ability to create feel-good moments around convivial occasions without the razzmatazz often surrounding fashion events is what the designer appreciates most. —Sandra Salibian, WWD, 2 Dec. 2024 Annie Selke’s inn 33 Main has its own artistic flair and personality, and touches like complimentary breakfast and cocktail hour in the parlor make staying here feel truly convivial. —Oset Babür-Winter, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2024 One with brisk, cheerful, egalitarian service; comforting food at most hours of the day; and a convivial social atmosphere where everyone feels welcome to greet guests at the next table. —Michael Barnes, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024 Entertainment and Dining The Living Room on the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Luminara provides a daytime respite with light fare and convivial atmosphere, transforming into a lively night scene with live music and cocktails, returning to a coffee bar the next morning. —Kathleen Turner, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for convivial 

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin convivialis, from Latin convivium banquet, from com- + vivere to live — more at quick entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1668, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of convivial was circa 1668

Podcast

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Dictionary Entries Near convivial

convive

convivial

convivium

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Convivial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/convivial. Accessed 11 Dec. 2024.

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Kids Definition

convivial

adjective
con·​viv·​i·​al
kən-ˈviv-yəl,
-ˈviv-ē-əl
: of, relating to, or fond of food, drink, merrymaking, and good company
conviviality
-ˌviv-ē-ˈal-ət-ē
noun
convivially
-ˈviv-yə-lē
-ˈviv-ē-ə-lē
adverb

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Nglish: Translation of convivial for Spanish Speakers

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