cordial acquaintance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cordial acquaintance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a friendly or pleasant relationship with someone you know, but not very closely. Example: "Although we are only cordial acquaintances, I always enjoy our brief conversations at the community events."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Working on it was a wild, hilarious, and fascinating ride during which a cordial acquaintance became a close friendship.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The elder Mill, like Plato, would have put poets under ban as enemies of truth; he subordinated private to public affections; and Landor's maxims of "few acquaintances, fewer friends, no familiarities" had his cordial approval.

Encyclopedia Britannica

On Friday, Trump opened the day with a cordial meeting at the Casa Rosada with Argentine President Mauricio Macri, a longtime business acquaintance.

Huffington Post

Cordial, even.

The New York Times

Service cordial and professional.

The New York Times

We were cordial".

The New York Times - Sports

It was cordial.

The Guardian

SERVICE Cordial and knowledgeable.

The New York Times

Or rather, cordial.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

SERVICE -- Infectiously cordial.

The New York Times

SERVICE -- Quick and cordial.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cordial acquaintance" to describe a relationship that is friendly and polite, but not close or intimate. It's suitable for describing interactions with colleagues, neighbors, or people you see occasionally.

Common error

Avoid using "cordial acquaintance" to describe close friends or family members. The term implies a level of distance and formality that is inappropriate for intimate relationships.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cordial acquaintance" functions as a noun phrase, where "cordial" modifies "acquaintance". Ludwig provides examples where the phrase describes a friendly, but not necessarily close, relationship. It serves to specify the nature of the acquaintance.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cordial acquaintance" is used to describe a friendly but not intimate relationship. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While the examples are limited, the phrase appears mainly in News & Media contexts. Alternatives include "friendly associate" or "pleasant acquaintance". Be sure to use this phrase to describe a relationship that is polite, but not close or personal, and consider the potential for misinterpreting it as a deeper connection.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

friendly associate

Replaces "acquaintance" with "associate", emphasizing a more business-like or professional connection.

pleasant acquaintance

Substitutes "cordial" with "pleasant", focusing on the agreeable nature of the relationship.

amiable acquaintance

Uses "amiable" instead of "cordial", highlighting the friendly and agreeable nature of the acquaintance.

polite acquaintance

Replaces "cordial" with "polite", emphasizing the courteous aspect of the relationship.

casual acquaintance

Emphasizes the lack of deep connection, focusing on the informal nature of the relationship.

superficial acquaintance

Highlights the lack of depth in the relationship, suggesting a minimal level of interaction.

slight acquaintance

Indicates a minimal level of familiarity and interaction between the individuals.

passing acquaintance

Suggests a brief or fleeting connection, often involving infrequent interactions.

nodding acquaintance

Describes a relationship limited to brief greetings and minimal interaction.

formal acquaintance

Emphasizes the respectful, but not necessarily warm, character of the relationship.

FAQs

How can I use "cordial acquaintance" in a sentence?

You can use "cordial acquaintance" to describe someone you know and are friendly with, but not very well. For instance, "Although we are only "cordial acquaintances", I always enjoy our brief conversations at community events."

What is the difference between "cordial acquaintance" and "close friend"?

"Cordial acquaintance" implies a polite and friendly relationship without deep emotional connection, while "close friend" suggests a much stronger bond, involving trust, shared experiences, and mutual support.

What can I say instead of "cordial acquaintance"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "friendly associate", "pleasant acquaintance", or "casual acquaintance".

Is it appropriate to describe a business contact as a "cordial acquaintance"?

Yes, "cordial acquaintance" can be suitable for describing a business contact, especially if your relationship is professional and friendly but not deeply personal. It suggests a polite and respectful interaction.