- pronunciation:
- jo
vi
l
- features:
- Word History, Word Explorer
| part of speech: |
adjective |
| definition: |
very cheerful, friendly, and merry; jolly.
His jovial way won him many friends.- synonyms:
- jolly, merry
- antonyms:
- gloomy
- similar words:
- buoyant, cheerful, festive, friendly, gay, happy, lighthearted, lively
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| related words: |
carefree, jaunty, robust |
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| derivations: |
jovially (adv.), joviality (n.) |
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.