convivial

/kənˈvɪviəl/ (bre, ipa) · /kənˈvɪviəl/ (ame, ipa) · /kən-ˈvi-vē-əl -ˈviv-yəl/ (ame, mw)

convivial — adjective

  • convivialpositive
  • more convivialcomparative
  • most convivialsuperlative

1. A place, event, or social gathering that is convivial has a warm, friendly atmos

1.形容詞B2
釋義

A place, event, or social gathering that is convivial has a warm, friendly atmosphere where people feel welcome and at ease with one another.

例句

With its soft lighting and friendly staff, the small restaurant felt wonderfully convivial.

be + convivial for describing atmosphere

The New Year party at Wei's house was a convivial affair, full of music and laughter.

convivial + noun (affair, party, gathering)

同義詞
  • friendly

    broader, everyday term; convivial adds a sense of festive warmth

  • genial

    similar warmth but less focused on lively social activity; more about a gentle, kindly quality

  • cordial

    polite and friendly in a more formal way; lacks the festive energy of convivial

  • sociable

    describes people who enjoy company; convivial can also describe the atmosphere itself

反義詞
  • cold

    unfriendly atmosphere that discourages social interaction

  • unwelcoming

    makes people feel unwanted or uncomfortable

文法句型

convivial + noun

be + convivial

用法筆記

Typically describes a place, event, or social atmosphere rather than a person's character. To describe a person who enjoys social gatherings, see sense 2 (FOND OF FEASTING).

常見錯誤

❌The weather was very convivial today.
✅The atmosphere at the picnic was very convivial.
💡convivial describes social situations, not the weather.
❌He is a convivial student who studies all day.
✅He is a convivial host who loves having friends over for dinner.
💡convivial implies enjoyment of lively social contact, not just being friendly.

2. A person who is convivial enjoys lively social events involving food, drink, and

2.形容詞C1
釋義

A person who is convivial enjoys lively social events involving food, drink, and cheerful company — for instance, someone who loves hosting meals and keeping the party going with jokes and stories.

例句

Uncle Hassan is a convivial man who loves hosting large family dinners every weekend.

convivial + person (man, woman, host)

At parties, Mei-Lin is the most convivial person in the room, always laughing and pouring drinks for guests.

同義詞
  • gregarious

    similar enjoyment of company but less specifically tied to feasting and drinking

  • festive

    describes the mood or occasion itself; convivial describes the person's disposition

  • hospitable

    focuses on welcoming guests generously, overlapping with convivial but less about lively celebration

  • boisterous

    noisy and energetic in a lively way, sometimes with a slightly disorderly connotation absent from convivial

反義詞
  • unsociable

    prefers to avoid company and social events

  • withdrawn

    shy or reserved, not inclined toward lively gatherings

文法句型

convivial + noun

be + convivial

用法筆記

Unlike the WARM AND FRIENDLY sense (sense 1), this meaning specifically describes a person's character rather than a place or event. The person is actively engaged in feasting, drinking, or merrymaking, not merely surrounded by a cheerful atmosphere.

常見錯誤

❌The office has a convivial environment.' (if describing atmosphere, use sense 1).
✅Diego is a convivial colleague who always organises team lunches.
💡sense 2 describes a person who actively enjoys festive socialising.