Adjective + Noun
/kɔːrˈdɪəl smaɪl/
A cordial smile refers to a friendly, warm, and sincere smile. It conveys goodwill, kindness, and a welcoming attitude. In the English language, "cordial" is often used to describe a kind of interaction that is genuine and pleasant. The phrase is more commonly found in written contexts, such as literature or descriptive writing, but it can also appear in oral communication, especially in greetings and interactions where warmth is emphasized.
Frequency of Use: This phrase may not be extremely common in everyday conversation but is used in formal contexts, such as in speeches or professional settings, to evoke or emphasize the warmth of interpersonal communications.
Her cordial smile made everyone feel welcome at the event.
(Su sonrisa cordial hizo que todos se sintieran bienvenidos en el evento.)
I was struck by his cordial smile as he greeted me for the first time.
(Me sorprendió su sonrisa cordial cuando me saludó por primera vez.)
The hostess greeted us with a cordial smile, setting a positive tone for the evening.
(La anfitriona nos recibió con una sonrisa cordial, estableciendo un tono positivo para la noche.)
While "cordial smile" itself is not a part of many idiomatic expressions, the word "cordial" often appears in phrases that emphasize friendliness and hospitality. Below are some examples:
Cordial reception - They received a cordial reception at the conference.
(Recibieron una recepción cordial en la conferencia.)
Cordial relationship - They maintained a cordial relationship despite their professional differences.
(Mantuvo una relación cordial a pesar de sus diferencias profesionales.)
Cordial invitation - She extended a cordial invitation to all her friends for the gathering.
(Ella extendió una invitación cordial a todos sus amigos para la reunión.)
Cordial demeanor - His cordial demeanor made him a beloved figure in the community.
(Su comportamiento cordial lo convirtió en una figura querida en la comunidad.)
Cordial welcome - The guests were greeted with a cordial welcome at the hotel.
(Los huéspedes fueron recibidos con una bienvenida cordial en el hotel.)
Cordiality in business - Cordiality in business negotiations can lead to long-lasting partnerships.
(La cordialidad en las negociaciones comerciales puede dar lugar a asociaciones duraderas.)
The word cordial comes from the Latin cordialis, which translates to "of the heart," derived from cor, meaning "heart." This etymology highlights the sentiment behind a cordial interaction, characterized by warmth and sincerity.
Synonyms: Friendly smile, warm smile, welcoming smile, gracious smile.
Antonyms: Cold smile, disdainful smile, unfriendly smile, grimace.