ENGLISH
REFERENCE

cordial

adj.
C1 Advanced US //ˈkɔɹdʒəɫ// UK //kˈɔːdɪəl// cor·dial Archaic

adj. friendly and polite, but also formal. You use this to describe a professional or serious relationship that is pleasant without being very close.

adj. characterised by a warm, polite, and professional friendliness. Often describes diplomatic or formal social interactions where genuine intimacy is absent.


SIMPLE

The two leaders had a cordial meeting today.

CONTEXTUAL

Despite their past disagreements, the former business partners maintained a cordial relationship for the sake of their employees.

COMPLEX

The atmosphere at the negotiation table remained cordial throughout the afternoon, though both parties were careful not to concede any significant ground before the final session.

Synonyms
Origin

Inherited from Middle English cordial, from Old French cordial, from Medieval Latin cordiālis (“of the heart”), from cor (“heart”).

Usage

Typically used to describe relationships, greetings, or atmospheres; often follows linking verbs like 'remain' or 'stay'.

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