French Conversation · Level 40
75 words
French word
cordial
Pronunciation
IPA/kɔʁdjal/
Meaning
- adjectivefriendly
Example
Elle est toujours cordiale avec ses voisins.
She is always friendly with her neighbors.
More examples
Le personnel a été cordial lors de notre arrivée.
The staff was friendly upon our arrival.
Core concept
An open handshake that combines human warmth with courteous restraint.
Common phrases
accueil cordial
friendly welcome
attitude cordiale
friendly attitude
salutations cordiales
warm greetings
Similar words
amical: Friendly and sociable in manner or attitude.
chaleureux: Warm, sincere, and welcoming in manner or atmosphere.
poli: Respectful and well-mannered, with no hint of rudeness.
sympathique: Agreeable and pleasant, making a favorable impression.
Definition in French
Qui manifeste une attitude aimable et ouverte, marquée par la chaleur humaine et la politesse.
Word origin
French cordial comes from Latin cordialis, based on cor, meaning 'heart', and developed as a term for warm, heartfelt friendliness.
Usage tips
- The adjective agrees in gender and number, so the feminine form in Elle est toujours cordiale is cordiale, not cordial.