Comfortable

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈkʌmf.tə.bl̩/

Definitions

1. A state of physical ease and relaxation, free from pain, stress, or constraint
2. A sensation of ease and contentment that encompasses both physical relaxation and emotional tranquility while relieving any feelings of discomfort or stress
3. Providing a feeling of physical ease without distress or pain ; creating a sense of mental or emotional calm and satisfaction

Etymology: "Comfortable" began as a word for support and strengthening rather than ease. Its ancestor, Latin "confortare," meant to strengthen greatly, built from "com-" (intensifying here, not "together") and "fortis," strong, the same root that gives us "fort" and "fortify." Old French turned that verb into "conforter," meaning to console or encourage, and the adjective "confortable" carried the sense of being helpful or supportive, someone who could be relied upon to lend strength to another person in need. English took the word from Middle English "comfortable" with that sense of consoling or helpful. Physical ease, the meaning given here, grew out of the older idea: a comfortable thing is one that gives you the strength and support you need to feel at rest. The modern sense of a soft chair or a well-fitted shoe is therefore a narrowing of a word that once described people and their capacity to help.

Synonyms: cozy, pleasant, content, relaxed, at ease

Antonyms: uncomfortable, uneasy, discontented, restless, strained