Xenial

Xenial

ˈzinēəl

Adjective

  • Of, relating to, or constituting hospitality or relations between host and guest and especially among the ancient Greeks between persons of different cities.

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Example Sentences

“The host was incredibly xenial, making everyone feel comfortable right away.”

“Even though I was new, the group’s xenial vibe made it easy to join in.”

“The café had a xenial atmosphere that kept people coming back.”

Word Origin

Greek, early 19th century

Why this word?

Check the spelling on this adjective — it’s not “Xennial,” referring to the microgeneration of people born on the cusp between Generation X and millennials (roughly 1977 to 1983). The word “xenial,” with one “N,” has been used since ancient Greece, when it referred to a formal type of hospitality that was extended to people visiting from another city. Today it can refer to any kind of generous hospitality between a host and a guest. 

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Learn a new word Quotha

ˈkwō-thə