Congenial
/kənˈdʒiː.ni.əl/noun
Pleasant, agreeable, or naturally compatible with someone or something.
Did you know?The Latin genius was not originally a measure of intelligence but a spirit believed to govern a person’s birth, character, and creative nature.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ǵenh₁-
“To give birth, beget, or bring forth”
Ancient Latin
Latin
gignere
“To beget, produce, or bring into existence”
Ancient Latin
Latin
genius
“An inborn spirit or divine guardian associated with generation and personal nature”
Classical Latin
Latin
genialis
“Relating to birth, family, or one’s innate nature”
Late Latin
Latin
congenialis
“Of the same nature, kind, or family; con- means “together” or “with””
17th Century
English
congenial
“Having a kindred nature or agreeing naturally in taste or character”
Modern English
English
congenial
“Pleasant, agreeable, and compatible”