What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bonhomous
Example
John is always so bonhomous, making everyone feel comfortable around him. [bonhomous: adjective]
Example
Her bonhomous nature made her the life of the party. [bonhomous: noun]
genial
Example
The genial host greeted each guest with a smile. [genial: adjective]
Example
She has a genial disposition that makes people feel at ease. [genial: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Genial is more commonly used than bonhomous in everyday language. Genial is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while bonhomous is less common and may be more suitable for formal or literary writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bonhomous and genial?
While bonhomous may sound more formal or literary, genial is more commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.
