What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
xenial
Example
The hotel staff provided xenial service to the guests, making them feel at home. [xenial: adjective]
Example
The community's xenial reception of the refugees was heartwarming. [xenial: noun]
gracious
Example
She graciously accepted the award, thanking her colleagues for their support. [graciously: adverb]
Example
Despite the mishap, he remained gracious and apologized for the inconvenience. [gracious: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Gracious is more commonly used than xenial in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts and situations. Xenial is a less common word that is typically used in specific contexts, such as hospitality or cultural exchange.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between xenial and gracious?
While both words can be used in formal and informal contexts, xenial is generally considered more formal due to its less common usage and association with hospitality and cultural exchange. Gracious is more versatile and can be used in various formality levels, depending on the situation.
