VocabularyBasePractice words

Meaning & use

cordialities

noun·Advancedformal

Last updated

UK/ˌkɔː.diˈæl.ə.tiz/
US/ˌkɔːrˈdʒæl.ə.t̬iz/

“cordialities” is a form of “cordiality”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.

Meanings

  1. nouncountableformal

    Polite, friendly remarks or actions that show warm goodwill toward someone.

    Grammar: Usually plural in this sense, as in "exchange cordialities"; the singular "cordiality" names the quality itself.

    Patterns

    • exchange cordialities with someone
    • the usual cordialities

    After the meeting, the two managers exchanged cordialities and promised to stay in touch.

    He greeted us with the usual cordialities before getting down to business.

  2. noununcountableformal

    Warm, sincere friendliness in the way someone behaves toward others.

    Grammar: No plural and no article: you say "with cordiality", not "with a cordiality".

    Patterns

    • with cordiality
    • an atmosphere of cordiality

    She welcomed every guest with genuine cordiality.

    The talks were conducted with surprising cordiality despite the disagreement.

Word forms

singularcordiality

Common combinations

exchange cordialities
The leaders exchanged cordialities before the formal talks began.
the usual cordialities
We went through the usual cordialities and then discussed the contract.
with cordiality
He shook hands with real cordiality.
an atmosphere of cordiality
There was an atmosphere of cordiality throughout the dinner.

Synonyms and how they differ

pleasantries
Very close in the 'polite remarks' sense, but pleasantries can sound slightly empty or automatic, while cordialities stress genuine warmth.
warmth
Names the friendly feeling itself rather than the remarks or actions that show it.
friendliness
Broader and more everyday; cordiality is more formal and suggests polished good manners.

Opposites

hostilitycoldness

Word family

cordial adjective
Friendly and warm in manner.
cordially adverb
In a friendly, polite way; also used before "invite" or "dislike".

Commonly confused: cordialities or cordial?

cordialities vs cordial

The adjective means 'friendly'; the noun 'cordial' is a sweet fruit drink. "Cordialities" is only the plural of the quality noun 'cordiality'.

Practice

The two presidents exchanged ___ before the cameras were switched off.

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “cordialities”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Your sentence stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.

Explore more words