cordial
/ˈkɔːdiəl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈkɔːrdʒəl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈkȯr-jəl/ (ame, mw) · /ˈkɔː.di.əl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈkɔːr.dʒəl/ (ame, ipa)
cordial — adjective
- cordialpositive
- more cordialcomparative
- most cordialsuperlative
1. behaving in a way that is warm and pleasant, while still keeping the formality e
behaving in a way that is warm and pleasant, while still keeping the formality expected in professional or social settings
Omar offered the visiting diplomats a cordial welcome at the embassy gates.
cordial + welcome — formal warmth in official settings
The email from Dev was cordial in tone but made no promises about funding.
Zahra and her former rival kept the conversation cordial throughout the dinner.
A cordial nod from the director was all Luciana needed to feel at ease.
Relations between the two companies remained cordial even after the merger collapsed.
文法句型
cordial + welcome/relations/manner/greeting
be + cordial
用法筆記
Describes formal social warmth, not deep personal friendship. Someone can be cordial without being a close friend — the word marks a respectful and pleasant distance more than genuine closeness.
常見錯誤
2. used to describe a negative feeling — particularly dislike or hatred — that some
used to describe a negative feeling — particularly dislike or hatred — that someone experiences with full intensity and no reservation
Dara felt a cordial dislike for the reporter who had twisted her words.
cordial + dislike — intensifies a negative feeling
There was cordial hatred between the two rival coaches throughout the season.
Nalini felt a cordial loathing for anyone who chewed with their mouth open.
The senator's cordial contempt for the new policy was obvious in every speech.
Walter and his brother carried a cordial distrust of each other into old age.
- intense
a more common and general word for strong feelings of any kind
- fervent
suggests passionate, burning intensity, often for beliefs or hopes
- profound
emphasises depth rather than heat; works for both positive and negative feelings
- deep-seated
stresses that the feeling is long-established and firmly rooted
文法句型
cordial + dislike/hatred/loathing/contempt
用法筆記
Almost always followed by a noun naming a negative emotion (dislike, hatred, loathing, contempt). This sense is attributive only — you cannot say *'the dislike was cordial.'
常見錯誤
cordial — noun
1. a thick, sweet liquid made from fruit, which you mix with water before drinking
a thick, sweet liquid made from fruit, which you mix with water before drinking
Obi poured the thick cherry cordial into a tall glass of cold water.
pour + cordial — preparation method
On hot afternoons, Hugo mixed lime cordial with ice and sparkling water.
Tamar bought a bottle of elderflower cordial at the weekend farmers' market.
The children stirred raspberry cordial into their water until it turned pink.
Chidi always kept a jug of homemade blackcurrant cordial in the fridge.
- squash
British English; the everyday term for the same product
- concentrate
more generic; used for any liquid meant to be diluted, not only fruit-based drinks
- syrup
often thicker and sweeter; may be used in cocktails or desserts rather than everyday drinking
文法句型
fruit + cordial
a cordial
bottle of cordial
用法筆記
In British English, 'cordial' is the standard term for what Americans call a 'drink concentrate' or 'squash.' It is diluted with water (still or sparkling) before drinking.
常見錯誤
2. a strong, sweet alcoholic drink flavoured with fruit, herbs, or spices, usually
a strong, sweet alcoholic drink flavoured with fruit, herbs, or spices, usually served in small amounts after a meal
After the feast, Rafael poured everyone a small glass of cherry cordial.
after-dinner cordial — a post-meal liqueur
The restaurant served a ginger cordial that was both sweet and warming.
Luciana's grandfather kept a dusty bottle of pear cordial for special occasions.
The family toasted the new year with a golden cordial flavoured with bitter oranges.
A small cordial glass stood beside each plate, ready for the dessert course.
文法句型
a cordial
fruit cordial
after-dinner cordial
用法筆記
Distinguish from noun sense 1 (FRUIT CONCENTRATE): this sense refers to an alcoholic liqueur drunk neat in small quantities, not a concentrate to be diluted.