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convivial

adjective
con·​viv·​ial | \ kÉ™n-ˈviv-yÉ™l How to pronounce convivial (audio) , -ˈvi-vÄ“-É™l\

Definition of convivial

: relating to, occupied with, or fond of feasting, drinking, and good company a convivial host a convivial gathering
Other Words from convivial Synonyms & Antonyms Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about convivial

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Other Words from convivial

conviviality \ kÉ™n-​ËŒvi-​vÄ“-​ˈa-​lÉ™-​tÄ“ How to pronounce conviviality (audio) \ noun
convivially \ kÉ™n-​ˈviv-​yÉ™-​lÄ“ How to pronounce convivially (audio) , -​ˈvi-​vÄ“-​É™-​lÄ“ \ 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."

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

 The convivial atmosphere of folks wearing lobster bibs and chowing down family-style is enhanced by the post-meal contra dancing, with live musicians directing the set. — Pamela Wright, BostonGlobe.com, "Bring on the sing-alongs and s’mores at Sebasco Harbor Resort," 3 Sep. 2019 The designer worked with screens to protect the walls, play with scale, and create a warm, convivial vibe. — Mary Winston Nicklin, Condé Nast Traveler, "Why Food Lovers Should Visit Lyon This Fall," 11 June 2019 The deal, born out of reportedly convivial talks between Mr Elkann and Mr Senard, was greeted with approval by investors. — The Economist, "A merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Renault is no more," 6 June 2019 The city’s convivial Art Walk is held every Thursday evening from November through June, when the weather is practically perfect every day. — Jenny Peters, National Geographic, "Baja California Sur: The ultimate road trip," 25 July 2019 The subsequent hearing attracted national attention, with reporters cramming into the Brattleboro town hall, and, in the opinion of most, the jokey, convivial local fellow came off far better than the stuffy, irascible Englishman. — Charles Mcgrath, The New Yorker, "Rudyard Kipling in America," 1 July 2019 An espresso, a convivial greeting, and a pastel de nata (an eggy custard tart) start the day. — Anne Farrar, National Geographic, "Here’s why everyone is going to Portugal now," 18 June 2019 But the convivial atmosphere is likely to give way to indigestion this summer. — Mike Bird, WSJ, "Prepare for a Summer Showdown Between Trump and Tokyo," 28 May 2019 Indeed, Helena Bay’s atmosphere is more shipshape than Kiwi-convivial. — Klara Glowczewska, Town & Country, "We Should All Just Move to New Zealand," 17 Jan. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'convivial.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of convivial

circa 1668, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for convivial

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

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More Definitions for convivial

convivial

adjective
How to pronounce convivial (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of convivial

formal : of or relating to social events where people can eat, drink, and talk in a friendly way with others

See the full definition for convivial in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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More from Merriam-Webster on convivial

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for convivial

Spanish Central: Translation of convivial

Nglish: Translation of convivial for Spanish Speakers

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