congenial
Definitions
(of people) agreeable and pleasant because of shared tastes or temperament
意气相投的，志趣相投的
(of conditions or surroundings) pleasant and well-suited to one's needs
宜人的，合意的，适宜的
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedcon- (together) + gen (birth, nature — from genius/genus) + -ial = 'sharing the same nature/temperament.' People who are congenial were, figuratively, born with the same spirit, so they get along. Extended to places and conditions that 'suit your nature' — a congenial climate, a congenial job.
Root gen still carries 140 more wordsWhy It Means This
Behind congenial is the old idea of genius as the spirit you are born with. If two people share a congenial genius, their inborn natures match. That is why congenial covers both 'a congenial colleague' (we click) and 'a congenial atmosphere' (it fits me) — the common thread is harmony with one's nature.
Common Collocations
- 1.congenial company投缘的伙伴
- 2.congenial atmosphere宜人的氛围
- 3.congenial environment适宜的环境
Example Sentences
- 1.
She found her new colleagues warm and congenial.
- 2.
The quiet café was a congenial place to write.
- 3.
They share congenial views on almost everything.
Easily Confused
congenial vs congenital — one letter apart, totally different. congenial = pleasant, like-minded (a congenial host). congenital = present from birth, usually of a defect or trait (a congenital heart defect). Both use gen- (born), but congenital stays literal ('born with'), congenial went figurative ('born of the same spirit').