English Reference
Adjective

jovial

adj.
C1 Advanced US /ˈdʒoʊviəɫ/ UK /dʒˈəʊvɪəl/ jovial Astronomy

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.


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'.

As Dreyfuss describes it, a jovial night around the campfire featured “the kind of talk that seemed important until you discover girls”.

The Guardian· 22 Aug 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated