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Definition of jovial
jovial
/ˈdʒoʊ.vi.əl/
jo · vi · al
Adverb:jovially
jovial Lexical Profile
CEFR
C1
Grade
9
Tier
2
Usage
Top 10k
Syllables
3
jovial Game Scores & Validity
Scrabble US
Scrabble UK
WWF
Wordle Guess
• adjective
1
Cheerful, friendly, and good-humored in manner or disposition.
Example
"The host greeted his dinner guests with a warm smile and a jovial laugh."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for jovial Antonyms
View all antonyms for jovial• Rhymes for jovial
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 16th century from Middle French or Italian, from Late Latin 'Jovialis' (pertaining to Jupiter). In medieval astrology, the planet Jupiter (Jove) was considered the source of joy and happiness, so those born under its influence were believed to have a cheerful and friendly temperament.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Jovial. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/jovial