Word of the Day

: July 9, 2016

jovial

adjective JOH-vee-ul

What It Means

1 : (capitalized Jovial) of or relating to Jove

2 : markedly good-humored especially as evidenced by jollity and conviviality

jovial in Context

He was fondly remembered for his jovial temperament and generosity.

"Inside, the crowd was boisterous and jovial, the young and fashionable sharing space with old regulars, all of them out despite the cold…." — Michael Snyder, Saveur, 13 June 2016

Did You Know?

Jupiter, also called Jove, was the chief Roman god and was considered a majestic, authoritative type—just the kind of god to name a massive planet like Jupiter for. Our word jovial comes by way of Middle French from the Late Latin adjective jovialis, meaning "of or relating to Jove." When English speakers first picked up jovial in the late 16th century, it was a term of astrology used to describe those born under the influence of Jupiter, which, as a natal planet, was believed to impart joy and happiness. They soon began applying jovial to folks who shared the good-natured character of Jupiter, regardless of their birth date.