Welcoming
/ˈwɛl.kə.mɪŋ/noun
Showing friendliness, hospitality, or a warm reception.
Did you know?Welcoming comes from Old English roots tied to 'well-pleasing,' so the warmth you feel is literally baked into the word’s ancient sense of approval and favor.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*wel-
“to wish, will, choose, be pleasing”
Old English
OE
wilcuma
“a welcome guest; one whose coming is wished for”
Old English
OE
wel-cuman
“to come gladly; to be received with pleasure”
Middle English
ME
welcomen
“to greet gladly; to receive hospitably”
Modern English
English
welcoming
“showing a friendly and hospitable reception”