Cordial

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈkɔː.di.əl/

Definitions

1. Marked by sincere warmth and politeness in behavior or speech while also referring to a sweet syrupy drink mixed with water for refreshment
2. Having a heartfelt and sincere friendliness in demeanor or communication ; a sweet liqueur or syrup mixed with water for drinking refreshment
3. Exhibiting genuine warmth and kindness in interactions ; a sweetened beverage or liqueur meant to be diluted with water

Etymology: The most striking thing about "cordial" is how literally it began: it meant "of the heart," and for centuries its main use was medical. Medieval Latin "cordiālis" came from "cor," the Latin word for heart, and it reached English through Old French and Middle English. Medieval physicians used the adjective for remedies believed to strengthen the heart, and the noun form, a cordial, referred to a restorative drink or medicine taken for the same purpose. The move from heart-medicine to warm manners followed from the older belief that the heart was the seat of feeling. A remedy that revived the heart could be described as reviving the spirits, and a person who came from the heart was sincere and open. Over time the medical sense faded while the emotional one grew, so that today the word describes a friendly, warm manner rather than a physical tonic.

Synonyms: friendly, warm, welcoming, gracious, affable

Antonyms: cold, hostile, unfriendly, indifferent, distant