welcoming
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈwɛlkəmɪŋ/
KK: /ˈwɛlkəmɪŋ/
adjective
Definition
Friendly and inviting, making others feel comfortable and at ease.
Example
The hotel staff was very welcoming to all the guests.
Conversation
I love how welcoming your home feels.
Thanks! I always try to make it cozy for my friends.
It definitely works! I feel comfortable just hanging out here.
That's the goal — a welcoming space for everyone.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
hospitable
cordial
inviting
Antonyms
unfriendly
hostile
cold
verb
Definition
To greet someone in a friendly way and make them feel comfortable.
Example
The host was very welcoming to all the guests at the party.
Tense Forms
Past: welcomed
Past Participle: welcomed
Conversation
I really love how our new neighbors are so welcoming.
Yeah, they invited us over for coffee right away!
It's nice to feel welcoming vibes when you move in somewhere new.
Root Explanation
Welcoming → It is formed from "welcome" (from Old English *wilcuma*, meaning a person who is wished well) and "-ing" (a suffix used to form present participles or gerunds). The word "welcoming" describes the act of making someone feel accepted or at home, as if they are a person who is wished well.
Memory Tip
Think of someone who is a 'person wished well' ('wilcuma') and how they make others feel accepted and at home. This helps you remember that 'welcoming' means to make someone feel at ease.
Visually Confused Words
becoming
coming