cordial
KOR-juhl
/ˈkɔːdiəl/
Warm and friendly, but polite and restrained; (noun) a comforting, sweet drink or medicine.
Implies a polite, professional warmth. It is friendly but maintains a certain social distance, unlike the intimate warmth of 'convivial' or 'amiable'.
The story behind the word. Cordial comes from the Medieval Latin 'cordialis', meaning 'of or for the heart', from the Latin 'cor' (heart). Originally, in the Middle Ages, a 'cordial' was a medicinal food, drink, or potion believed to stimulate and revive the physical heart. Over time, the meaning shifted from a physical heart-stimulant to a metaphorical 'heartfelt' warmth of manner.
Word relationships
- polite: Polite is merely civil and follows social rules, while cordial adds a genuine layer of warmth and goodwill.
- genial: Genial implies a cheerful, easygoing warmth, whereas cordial is slightly more structured and formal.
- aloof: Aloof means cool, distant, and detached, directly contrasting with cordial warmth.
- hostile: Hostile implies active unfriendliness or opposition.
Commonly confused with
- cardiac: Cardiac is a purely medical term relating to the physical heart, while cordial relates to the heart metaphorically (warmth of feeling).
Word family
- cordiality (noun): Warmth and friendliness of disposition.
- cordially (adverb): In a warm and friendly way (often used in formal sign-offs like 'Cordially yours').
Collocations
- cordial welcome
- cordial relations
- cordial agreement
- remain cordial
Example sentences
- "The two leaders maintained a cordial relationship, though they disagreed on almost every policy." A news report on a meeting between political rivals.
- "She poured a small drop of the cordial into his mouth, and strength instantly returned to his limbs." A classic fantasy novel where characters are offered a healing drink.
Memory hook
A cordial greeting comes straight from the 'cor' (heart). Straight from the heart.
When not to use
Do not use to describe an intensely emotional, deeply personal, or wild and boisterous friendship.
Fun facts
- In modern British English, 'cordial' refers to a concentrated, sweet fruit syrup that is diluted with water to make a drink.
Explore more words
amicable, genial, affable, companionable, convivial, hospitable
Also appears in
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