adjective

convivial

kun-VIV-ee-ul/kənˈvɪviəl/

Friendly and lively in social settings.

Our convivial neighbors make every gathering feel warm and welcoming.

Two older friends share a simple meal, leaning toward one another with warm smiles and animated conversation, making the gathering feel friendly, lively, and enjoyable.

Etymology

conLatintogether

+viviLatinto live

+alLatinpertaining to

“Living together” also meant carousing together and gave rise to a word for a feast. Convivial shifted from describing feasts to describing the sociable, enjoyable company associated with them.

In context

Mercatus Center48:45

Hot Pot is great fun it's a really convivial Lively inexpensive it can be very inexpensive way to eat and you know to to share food with your friends

Fuchsia Dunlop on the Story of Chinese Food | Conversations with Tyler

More examples

The café has a convivial atmosphere that encourages conversation.
We enjoy a convivial evening of stories and laughter.
Even shy guests relax around our convivial host.

Forms

convivial

conviviality noun — The quality of being friendly and sociable.

Similar words

sociable: Emphasizes enjoying other people's company rather than creating lively gatherings.
festive: Emphasizes celebration and cheer rather than friendly social interaction.
friendly: Emphasizes warmth and kindness without necessarily suggesting lively socializing.