genial
JEEN-yuladjMeaning friendly, warm and cheerful
Memory hook GENIE-al: as warm as a friendly GENIE. Sven throws open his door with a grin as wide as a genie’s: “Come in! Cocoa’s hot!” He is genial.
Our genial host met us at the door with a big smile and mugs of hot cocoa.
In context The night was cold, but the genial innkeeper made everyone feel at home: he lit a roaring fire, remembered every guest’s name and told cheerful stories over supper.
Similar friendly, warm, cordial, cheerful
Opposite cold, unfriendly, surly
From Latin genialis, “festive, cheerful,” from genius, the guardian spirit once thought to watch over each person.