# jovial

/ˈdʒoʊviəɫ/ (US) · /dʒˈəʊvɪəl/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/jovial
Updated: 2026-05-31

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

- Often follows a linking verb like 'be', 'seem', or 'remain'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.