congenial

adjective

con·​ge·​nial kən-ˈjē-nē-əl How to pronounce congenial (audio)
-ˈjēn-yəl
1
a
: pleasant
especially : agreeably suited to one's nature, tastes, or outlook
a congenial atmosphere
b
: sociable, genial
a congenial host
c
: existing or associated together harmoniously
2
: having the same nature, disposition, or tastes : kindred
congenial companions
congenially adverb

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The History of Congenial Is Spiritual

According to ancient 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—in English congenial.

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 Diary1970
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 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.
Our great diversity of climes and communities means that every American restless of home can find some place more congenial within our borders. The Editors, National Review, 28 Nov. 2024 His past demonstrates a very congenial, charitable and considerate humanity. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 17 Apr. 2024 The vibe is also congenial: A multi-generational, full-capacity crowd claps in time to the ebullient techno between games and cheers in unison when an announcement reveals that a Polish couple who’ve just got engaged here will be enjoying top-tier hospitality for the rest of the tournament. Nick Scott, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2024 The two-term governor received criticism for being too congenial with his Republican rival and seemingly befuddled in the national spotlight for most of the 90-minute debate. Dominic Patten, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for congenial 

Word History

Etymology

com- + genius

First Known Use

circa 1625, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of congenial was circa 1625

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Dictionary Entries Near congenial

Cite this Entry

“Congenial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/congenial. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

congenial

adjective
con·​ge·​nial kən-ˈjē-nyəl How to pronounce congenial (audio)
1
: having the same disposition, interests, or tastes
2
: suited to one's nature or tastes : agreeable
congeniality
-ˌjē-nē-ˈal-ət-ē
-ˌjēn-ˈyal-
noun
congenially adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on congenial

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