What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
friendly
Example
The new neighbor was very friendly and introduced themselves to everyone. [friendly: adjective]
Example
The restaurant had a friendly atmosphere, with smiling staff and warm lighting. [friendly: noun]
genial
Example
The host was genial and made sure everyone felt welcome at the party. [genial: adjective]
Example
The genial breeze made the outdoor concert even more enjoyable. [genial: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Friendly is more common and versatile than genial, and is used in a wider range of contexts and situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between friendly and genial?
Genial has a slightly more formal and sophisticated connotation than friendly, and is often used in more formal or literary contexts.
