Cordial

Pronunciation

• British IPA: /ˈkɔː.dɪ.É™l/, /ˈkɔː.dÊ’É™l/
• US IPA: /ˈkɔɹ.dɪ.É™l/, /ˈkɔɹ.dÊ’É™l/, /ˈkɔɹ.djÉ™l/

Origin

From Middle French cordial ("stimulating the heart"), from Late Latin cordialis, from cor.

Full definition of cordial

Adjective

1. Hearty; sincere; warm; affectionate.
• 1667, John Milton, , 1859, Thomas Keightley (editor), The Poems of John Milton, Volume 1, page 381,He, on his side
  Leaning half raised, with looks of cordial love
  Hung over her enamoured.
• 1885, George Washington Schuyler, Colonial New York: Philip Schuyler and His Family, C. Scribner's Sons,The relations between the Earl of Bellomont and Colonel Schuyler were formal, but not cordial from the first.
2. Said of someone radiating warmth and friendliness; genial.
• 1869, Richard Doddridge Blackmore, , ,The sight of London warmed my heart with various emotions, such as a cordial man must draw from the heart of all humanity.
3. (rare) Tending to revive, cheer, or invigorate; giving strength or spirits.
• 1634, John Milton, , 1853, (editor), The Poetical Works of John Milton, Volume 3, page 106,And first behold this cordial julep here
  That flames and dances in his crystal bounds,
  With spirits of balm, and fragrant syrups mix'd.
4. (obsolete) Proceeding from the heart.
• 1667, John Milton, , 1957, Merritt Yerkes Hughes (editor), Complete Poems and Major Prose, page 373,Who stooping op'n'd my left side, and took
  From thence a Rib with cordial spirits warm,
  And Life-blood streaming fresh;

Synonyms

• (hearty, warm) heartfelt
• (radiating warmth and friendliness) affable, amiable
• (tending to revive) cheering, invigorating

Related terms

• cordiality
• cordially

Noun

1. (UK, AU, NZ) A concentrated noncarbonated soft drink which is diluted with water before drinking.
2. (UK, AU, NZ) An individual serving of such a diluted drink.
3. A pleasant-tasting medicine.
4. A liqueur prepared using the infusion process.
• 1728, John Gay, , Act III, Scene 1, in 1828, British Theatre, Comprising Tragedies, Comedies, Operas, and Farces, 827,Lucy. But, miss Polly—in the way of friendship, will you give me leave to propose a glass of cordial to you ?Polly. Strong waters are apt to give me the headache.—I hope, madam, you will excuse me?
• 1908, Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables, L. C. Page & Co.Marilla had put the bottle of raspberry cordial down in the cellar instead of in the closet ....
5. A candy (or bonbon) usually made of milk chocolate, filled with small fruits (often maraschino cherries) and syrup or fondant.

Hypernyms

• liqueur