Comprehensive
Dictionary Suite
Help
Help
Help
 
     
Lookup History
jovial

jo·vi·al

jovial

 
 
pronunciation:
jo vi l
features:
Word Combinations (adjective), Word History, Word Explorer
part of speech: adjective
definition: heartily cheerful, friendly, and merry; convivial.
We usually think of Santa Claus as a jovial character.You were in a jovial mood at the party last night!
synonyms:
gleeful, jocose, jocular, jocund, jolly, merry, mirthful
antonyms:
cheerless, gloomy, morose
similar words:
buoyant, cheerful, convivial, effervescent, festive, friendly, frolicsome, gay, happy, lighthearted, lively, sociable, vivacious
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
derivations: jovially (adv.), joviality (n.)
Word History
Jovial comes from the name of the king of the Roman gods, Jupiter. Jupiter was also called "Jove." He was believed to be the source of joy and happiness.
Word Explorer
See
  happy