jovial

jovial, good-humoured

adjective yo-vi-AHL Rare

Origin: from French jovial, ultimately Latin Jovialis (of Jupiter)

Also means

hearty, affable

Usage Note

Jovial describes a warmly good-natured, backslapping friendliness. In German it can carry a slightly patronising undertone: a jovialer Chef is approachably cheery but perhaps condescending. Compare the subtler freundlich (friendly) which lacks this hint.

Examples

"Sein joviales Wesen machte ihn bei Kollegen und Kunden gleichermaßen beliebt."

Natural Translation

His jovial nature made him equally popular with colleagues and clients.

Literal Translation

His jovial nature made him with colleagues and clients equally popular.

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