jovial

/ˈdʒəʊviəl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈdʒəʊviəl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈjō-vē-əl -vyəl/ (ame, mw)

jovial — adjective

  • jovialpositive
  • more jovialcomparative
  • most jovialsuperlative

1. smiling, talkative, and clearly enjoying the company of other people — describin

1.形容詞C1
釋義

smiling, talkative, and clearly enjoying the company of other people — describing either a warm person who is easy to be around, or a relaxed social occasion where everyone is having a good time.

例句

Uncle Christopher was a jovial man who told funny stories at every family dinner.

attributive: a jovial [person] who [does sociable thing]

The wedding reception had a jovial atmosphere, with guests laughing at the long table.

collocation: a jovial atmosphere / mood for social occasions

同義詞
  • cheerful

    broader and more neutral — covers private as well as social good mood

  • jolly

    very close in meaning but slightly more old-fashioned and often used of physical bulk plus warmth (a jolly figure)

  • convivial

    more formal; emphasises the social setting itself rather than the person

  • genial

    warm and pleasant to be around, but quieter — a genial host need not be loud or funny

反義詞
  • morose

    gloomy and uncommunicative — the direct opposite in social settings

  • sullen

    silently bad-tempered

  • dour

    stern and humourless

用法筆記

Subject is usually a person, their voice or expression, or a social occasion (party, dinner, gathering). Rarely used of solitary or work activity — a jovial spreadsheet does not work.

常見錯誤

❌I felt jovial about my exam results.
✅I felt happy about my exam results.
💡'jovial' describes outward sociability with others, not private feelings.
❌a jovial silence
✅a comfortable silence
💡'jovial' implies talk, laughter, and visible warmth, so it clashes with silence.