Word
cordial
Phoneticscor·dial, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈkɔɹdʒəɫ/
UK/kˈɔːdɪəl/
Definitions
01polite and friendly
B2 · Upper Intermediate Formal
adj. friendly, but usually in a polite and formal way.
adj. characterised by a warm, genial, and polite manner, often in a professional or formal social context.
“The meeting between the two leaders was cordial and lasted for two hours.”
“Despite their past disagreements, the two colleagues maintained a cordial relationship for the sake of the project's success.”
Teaching tip
This word implies a level of professional distance; you wouldn't usually describe a best friend as 'cordial'.
02fruit syrup
B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun Cooking British English
n. a sweet, concentrated fruit drink that you mix with water before drinking.
n. a non-carbonated, concentrated fruit-flavoured syrup intended for dilution with water.
“On a hot day, a glass of lime cordial with ice is very refreshing.”
“The children preferred the blackcurrant cordial diluted with sparkling water rather than the fresh orange juice provided.”
Usage
Commonly used in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand; North Americans usually call this 'syrup' or 'squash'.
03sweet liqueur
C1 · Advanced Countable noun American English · Formal
n. a strong, sweet alcoholic drink often served after a meal.
n. a sweetened, aromatic alcoholic beverage, typically served in small quantities after a meal.
“After dinner, the host offered us a small glass of cherry cordial.”
“The dessert menu featured a selection of fine cordials and aged brandies to accompany the cheese board.”
Usage
In American English, this is often a synonym for liqueur.
Synonyms
04invigorating
C2 · Proficiency Medicine Archaic · Literary
adj. something that makes you feel stronger or more cheerful.
adj. tending to revive, cheer, or invigorate the spirits.
“The news of their victory had a cordial effect on the tired troops.”
“The physician recommended a cordial tonic to help the patient recover their strength after the long illness.”
Teaching tip
This sense is rarely found in modern speech and is mostly encountered in 19th-century literature.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“The Colombian leader described his 10-minute conversation with President Trump as “very friendly and cordial”.” “The US envoy said the talks were “very cordial” but that Washington would judge Hamas based on the group’s actions.” Etymology
Inherited from Middle English cordial, from Old French cordial, from Medieval Latin cordiālis (“of the heart”), from cor (“heart”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/cordial