Definition

Cheerful and friendly, often showing a good sense of humor and a lively spirit.

Example

The jovial man made everyone laugh at the party with his funny stories.

Conversation

Did you notice how jovial everyone was at the party last night?

Absolutely! It really made the atmosphere so much better.

I think a jovial host can make all the difference in the world.

Definitely! It’s great when someone brings that kind of energy.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Jovial → It is derived from "Jove" (the Latin name for Jupiter, the king of the gods in Roman mythology, associated with joy and good humor) and the suffix "-al" (meaning pertaining to). The word "jovial" means pertaining to or characterized by a cheerful and good-humored disposition, reflecting the qualities attributed to Jove.

Memory Tip

Think of Jove, the joyful king of the gods, to remember that jovial means cheerful and full of good humor.

Visually Confused Words