congenial
/kən'dʤi:njəl/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Pleasant and agreeable because of shared qualities or interests: Describes a person, atmosphere, or relationship that is friendly, pleasant, and suited to one's nature due to similarity or compatibility.
- Suitable or pleasing to one's needs or disposition: Describes an environment, climate, or situation that is favorable and well-suited to a person.
- (Botany, technical) Capable of cross-fertilization or being grafted: Used specifically for plants that are compatible for these processes.
Usage Examples
- Describing a person or relationship:
- She found her new colleagues to be very congenial and easy to work with.
- They are a congenial couple who share many hobbies.
- Describing an atmosphere or environment:
- The small café provided a congenial atmosphere for reading.
- He moved to a region with a more congenial climate for his health.
- Describing suitability:
- After years in sales, she finally found a more congenial occupation in teaching.
Advanced Usage
- "congenial to": Suitable or favorable for a particular purpose or person.
- The quiet library was congenial to concentrated study.
- In a formal or literary context: Often used to describe a deep harmony of spirit or temperament.
- The two philosophers, congenial in their pursuit of truth, became lifelong friends.
Variants and Related Words
- Congeniality (noun): The quality of being congenial; pleasantness and agreeableness.
- Her warmth and congeniality made her popular with guests.
- Congenially (adverb): In a congenial manner.
- The team worked congenially together on the project.
Synonyms
- Agreeable: Pleasant and enjoyable.
- Compatible: Able to exist or work together without conflict.
- Harmonious: Forming a pleasing or consistent whole; free from disagreement.
- Sympathetic: Showing approval or favor; understanding.
- Pleasant: Giving a sense of happy satisfaction or enjoyment.
Antonyms
- Uncongenial: Not pleasant or agreeable; not suited to one's taste or disposition.
- Incompatible: Incapable of existing together in harmony.
- Disagreeable: Unpleasant or offensive.
Idioms and Phrases
- Congenial spirits (literary): People who are very similar in temperament and interests, and thus get along very well.
- The conference was a gathering of congenial spirits from around the world.
Adjective
- (used of plants) capable of cross-fertilization or of being grafted
- suitable to your needs
- a congenial atmosphere to work in
- two congenial spirits united...by mutual confidence and reciprocal virtues- T.L.Peacock