Word
jovial
US/ˈdʒoʊviəɫ/
UK/dʒˈəʊvɪəl/
Definition
adj. friendly and cheerful in a way that makes others feel happy. You use this to describe someone who is full of energy and good humor.
adj. characterised by a hearty, joyous, and friendly disposition. Often describes a person's temperament or the atmosphere of a social gathering.
Examples
“The host was a jovial man who made everyone feel welcome.”
“The dinner party was a jovial affair, filled with loud laughter and animated storytelling that lasted late into the night.”
“Despite the stressful circumstances, the captain maintained a jovial manner that served to reassure his anxious crew and keep morale high.”
Examples
simple
“The host was a jovial man who made everyone feel welcome.”
contextual
“The dinner party was a jovial affair, filled with loud laughter and animated storytelling that lasted late into the night.”
complex
“Despite the stressful circumstances, the captain maintained a jovial manner that served to reassure his anxious crew and keep morale high.”
Usage
Often follows a linking verb like 'be', 'seem', or 'remain'.
Real-World Examples
“The mood is jovial; rewatching clips from the weekend’s 6-1 win at Gateshead makes happy viewing.” “As Dreyfuss describes it, a jovial night around the campfire featured “the kind of talk that seemed important until you discover girls”.” - 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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