hospitality
hoss-pih-TAL-ih-tee
/ˌhɑːspɪˈtæləti/
The friendly, generous, and welcoming treatment and care of guests, passengers, or visitors.
Encompasses both genuine warmth and professional customer service standards in service industries.
The story behind the word. Derived from Old French 'hospitalité', originating from Latin 'hospes' (meaning both host and guest). In medieval times, monasteries established 'hospitals' to shelter traveling strangers. Over centuries, it evolved into the modern philosophy of guest service across hotels and airlines.
Word relationships
- welcomeness: 'Welcomeness' refers to the state of being inviting, whereas 'hospitality' is the comprehensive practice of serving guests.
- cordiality: 'Cordiality' is warmth in tone, while 'hospitality' involves active provision of care, food, and comfort.
- hostility: Hostility means unfriendly, aggressive, or antagonistic behavior toward others.
- coldness: Coldness implies an uninviting lack of warmth and affection.
Commonly confused with
- Hostility: Hospitality is welcoming care, whereas hostility is open unfriendliness.
Word family
- hospitable (adjective): Friendly and welcoming to guests or visitors.
- hospitibly (adverb): In a warm and welcoming manner.
Collocations
- warm hospitality
- hospitality industry
- extend hospitality
- gracious hospitality
Example sentences
- "Our cabin crew is celebrated worldwide for providing warm hospitality and exceptional customer care inflight." Airline Mission Statement
- "They welcomed us into their village home with boundless hospitality, sharing whatever food they had." Autobiography (Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom)
Memory hook
HOSPITALITY makes guests feel at HOME in a HOTEL or airplane. HOSPITALITY = Warm, welcoming guest care.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'hospital' care (medical treatment), despite sharing historical roots.
Fun facts
- Airlines train flight crews extensive body language techniques, such as eye-level eye contact, to convey genuine hospitality in tight airplane aisles.
Explore more words
hospitable, genial, courtesy, accommodating, convivial, gracious
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