convivial

Where does the word "convivial" come from? It comes from Latin vivere, passing through Latin before entering English (1600s).

Convivial’s story begins in Latin: vivere meant “to live.” To live, combined with com- (together). Within Latin, it grew into convivialis by ancient. Relating to feasting together, from con- (together) and vivere (to live). It reached English by 1600s as convivial. Settled as the English word for something friendly and lively, as at a shared meal. Today, convivial means friendly, lively, and enjoyable, especially in a social setting.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient vivere "to live", to live, combined with com- (together).
2. Stage 2 · Latin · ancient convivialis "relating to feasting together", relating to feasting together, from con- (together) and vivere (to live).
3. Stage 3 · English · 1600s convivial "friendly and lively, especially in a social setting", settled as the English word for something friendly and lively, as at a shared meal.