English Reference

Word

hospitality

Phoneticshos·pi·tal·i·ty

US/ˌhɑspəˈtæɫəti/

UK/hˌɒspɪtˈælɪti/

Definitions

01friendly treatment of guests

B1

n. the friendly and generous way you treat guests or visitors in your home or country.

n. the act or practice of being hospitable; the reception and entertainment of guests or strangers with liberality and goodwill.

“We were overwhelmed by the warm hospitality of the local people during our trip.”

“The villagers are renowned for their traditional hospitality, often inviting weary travellers into their homes for a shared meal and a place to rest.”

Usage

Often used with the adjectives 'warm', 'generous', or 'traditional'.

Antonyms

hostilityunfriendliness

02the service industry

B2

n. the business of providing food, drink, and rooms for people in hotels or restaurants.

n. the commercial sector concerned with the provision of accommodation, catering, and entertainment.

“After finishing her degree, she found a job in the hospitality industry.”

“The global hospitality sector faced significant challenges during the pandemic as international travel came to a virtual standstill.”

Usage

Frequently appears in the compound noun 'hospitality industry'.

Synonyms

service industryhotel trade

03food and drink for guests

B2

n. the food, drink, or entertainment that a company provides for its guests or customers.

n. the provision of food, beverages, and entertainment to clients or guests, often in a corporate or professional context.

“The ticket price includes full hospitality with a three-course meal before the match.”

“Corporate hospitality at the tennis tournament allows firms to network with high-profile clients in a relaxed, luxury environment.”

Usage

Often used in the phrase 'corporate hospitality'.

Etymology

From Middle English hospitalite, from Old French hospitalité (modern French hospitalité), from Latin hospitālitās (“hospitality”), from hospitālis (“hospitable”), from hospes (“guest", "host”). Displaced native Old English cumlīþnes (literally “guest gentleness”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

hospitableAdjectivehospitalityNoun

This entry

Level
B1 · Intermediate
Frequency
Frequent
Updated

Scan code

englishreference.com/q/hospitality

English Reference