convivial dinner

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "convivial dinner" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a friendly, lively, and enjoyable gathering centered around a meal. Example: "The evening was filled with laughter and good food, making it a truly convivial dinner among friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Now I'm told the two men shared a convivial dinner in November.

The Guardian

Each Thursday evening, often after a convivial dinner, all members of the lab convened to hear reports from one or more of the fellows, designated in advance.

Harvard University

But there I was in a strange country, seated at a table with several enlisted men from England, enjoying a convivial dinner given by the most gracious people.

The New York Times

They "have exactly the tone of a good story told at a convivial dinner party, by someone who has told it often enough to have the timing down cold," she writes.

The Guardian - Books

So rude had Mr Blair been that Mr Chirac also cancelled an imminent Anglo-French summit (since resentfully reinstated to take place in January).No longer would we have to take seriously the awful notion, once encouraged by the Downing Street spin machine, that Jacques and Tony were best buddies who liked nothing more than to sort out Europe's problems over a convivial dinner.

The Economist

Aside from the issue of how to handle the check, what was described by all as a convivial dinner raised difficult questions about how effective the new White House campaign to woo Republicans will be and whether Mr. Obama, even at his most contrite and conciliatory, can bridge the gap between two parties that remain deeply divided over fundamental questions of policy and the role of government.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Join an intimate group of fellow filmgoers for a four-course, prix-fixe meal in a convivial, dinner-party atmosphere.

University of California, Berkeley

White-nosed coatis scamper across the lawns, toucans call, private trails lead to rock pools, and convivial dinners are served at long candlelit tables in the thatched rancho.

The Guardian - Travel

Suspected of being spies, they were confined to Army barracks for three days that quickly resolved into horseback rides, convivial dinners, and visits to local villages, where the leading officer discoursed on the benefits of civilization that the French were bringing to the barbarous land.

The New Yorker

None of which makes for the most convivial of dinner party conversations.

The Guardian

Bob remembers his mother spending all day making her own pasta for huge convivial Italian dinners, rolling out the dough on the kitchen table.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "convivial dinner" to evoke a sense of warmth and social connection. The phrase implies more than just eating; it suggests shared enjoyment and good company.

Common error

Avoid using "convivial dinner" in highly formal or technical contexts where a simpler term like "pleasant meal" would be more appropriate. It's better suited for descriptions of social events or gatherings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "convivial dinner" functions as a noun phrase, where "convivial" modifies the noun "dinner". It describes a specific type of dinner characterized by its friendly and lively atmosphere. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "convivial dinner" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes a friendly and enjoyable meal. While Ludwig AI states it’s appropriate for written English, it isn't as common as other simpler alternatives like "pleasant dinner". It’s mostly found in News & Media but can also appear in academic contexts. When you want to evoke the image of a warm and sociable gathering centered around food, "convivial dinner" is an excellent choice. But be mindful of the context to avoid sounding overly formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

friendly meal

Substitutes "convivial" with "friendly", focusing on the amicable nature of the gathering.

congenial dining

Replaces "dinner" with the gerund "dining", shifting the focus to the act of eating in a friendly manner.

pleasant supper

Replaces "dinner" with "supper", implying a lighter or less formal meal.

cordial mealtime

Uses "cordial" to describe the warmth and sincerity of the meal.

lively dinner party

Specifies the event as a "dinner party", adding the element of entertainment and social interaction.

sociable feast

Emphasizes the social aspect of the meal and uses "feast" to suggest abundance.

cheerful luncheon

Changes "dinner" to "luncheon", indicating a midday meal, and "convivial" to "cheerful", emphasizing the lighthearted mood.

festive banquet

Replaces "dinner" with "banquet", suggesting a grander, more celebratory occasion, and "convivial" with "festive", emphasizing the joyous atmosphere.

harmonious repast

Emphasizes the peace and agreement present during the meal.

joyful repast

Uses more formal and literary terms to describe the meal, highlighting the happiness associated with it.

FAQs

What does "convivial" mean in the context of a "convivial dinner"?

In the context of a "convivial dinner", "convivial" means friendly, lively, and enjoyable. It suggests a warm and sociable atmosphere where people connect and share pleasant conversation.

What can I say instead of "convivial dinner"?

You can use alternatives like "pleasant supper", "friendly meal", or "lively dinner party" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "convivial dinner" a formal or informal expression?

"Convivial dinner" sits in a middle ground, leaning towards slightly formal, but is generally acceptable in both neutral and semi-formal contexts. It's more descriptive and less common than a simple "dinner".

How to best describe the atmosphere of a "convivial dinner"?

To describe the atmosphere, you could use words like "warm", "sociable", "animated", or "joyful". The goal is to emphasize the positive and engaging nature of the gathering.