cordial
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
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.
Simple“The meeting between the two leaders was cordial and lasted for two hours.”
In context“Despite their past disagreements, the two colleagues maintained a cordial relationship for the sake of the project's success.”
Teacher's tipThis word implies a level of professional distance; you wouldn't usually describe a best friend as 'cordial'.
- 02 B1 Intermediate
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.
Simple“On a hot day, a glass of lime cordial with ice is very refreshing.”
In context“The children preferred the blackcurrant cordial diluted with sparkling water rather than the fresh orange juice provided.”
UsageCommonly used in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand; North Americans usually call this 'syrup' or 'squash'.
- 03 C1 Advanced
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.
Simple“After dinner, the host offered us a small glass of cherry cordial.”
In context“The dessert menu featured a selection of fine cordials and aged brandies to accompany the cheese board.”
UsageIn American English, this is often a synonym for liqueur.
Synonyms - 04 C2 Proficiency
adj.something that makes you feel stronger or more cheerful.
adj.tending to revive, cheer, or invigorate the spirits.
Simple“The news of their victory had a cordial effect on the tired troops.”
In context“The physician recommended a cordial tonic to help the patient recover their strength after the long illness.”
Teacher's tipThis sense is rarely found in modern speech and is mostly encountered in 19th-century literature.
Synonymsinvigoratingrestorative
“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.”
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.