cordial reception

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cordial reception" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means a friendly, warm welcome. For example, you could use it in a sentence like this: "The royal family received a cordial reception as they arrived at the palace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Unwise, this cordial reception.

The New York Times

A cordial reception has been valued since Homeric times.

The New York Times - Magazine

In other corners of the nation's capital, Wall Street has received a decidedly less cordial reception.

The New York Times

The cordial reception of Mr. Sisco in Cairo underlined this objective.

The New York Times

It got a cordial reception, and the composer bowed from his box.

The New York Times

Evidently, his media handlers thought he'd receive a similarly cordial reception from Stewart and his "Daily Show" audience.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

The governor's guests praise the receptions as refreshingly cordial in tone.

The New York Times

Although Fulton's reception in London was cordial, his paintings made little impression; they showed neither the style nor the promise required to provide him more than a precarious living.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The cocktail reception afterwards was thinly cordial.

Vice

The cocktail reception afterward was thinly cordial.

Vice

As a result my reception was warm and cordial.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cordial reception" when you want to emphasize a warm, friendly, and polite welcome. Consider the context to determine if a synonym like "warm welcome" or "friendly greeting" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "cordial reception" in situations where the welcome was merely adequate or polite but lacked genuine warmth. Overusing formal language can dilute your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cordial reception" functions as a noun phrase, where "cordial" modifies the noun "reception". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and frequently used in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cordial reception" denotes a warm and friendly welcome. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. It's a noun phrase functioning to describe an event or interaction, suitable for neutral or formal registers. Common contexts include News & Media and Encyclopedias. For alternatives, consider "warm welcome" or "friendly greeting". When writing, ensure the context genuinely reflects warmth and politeness. While "cordial reception" is generally appropriate, synonyms might be more suitable depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

warm welcome

Focuses on the warmth and friendliness of the greeting. Similarity is high due to shared meaning.

friendly greeting

Emphasizes the amicable nature of the welcome. Similarity is high, replacing 'cordial' with 'friendly' and 'reception' with 'greeting'.

gracious welcome

Highlights the politeness and elegance of the reception. It focuses on the courteous nature of the greeting, adding a touch of formality.

hospitable welcome

Stresses the generosity and kindness of the reception. Centers on the welcoming environment and open arms.

amiable reception

Indicates a pleasant and agreeable welcome. Emphasizes the likable and good-natured aspect of the greeting.

affable welcome

Similar to 'amiable reception', suggesting a friendly and easy-to-approach greeting. Highlights the welcoming party's approachability.

pleasant reception

A more general term indicating a positive and enjoyable welcome. Reduces the intensity compared to "cordial".

warm-hearted welcome

Highlights the sincerity and genuine nature of the welcome. Emphasizes emotional warmth.

heartfelt reception

Emphasizes the sincerity and depth of feeling behind the welcome. Focuses on the genuineness of the emotion.

positive response

Shifts the focus from the greeting to the reaction received. It's a broader term that can encompass various positive reactions, not just welcomes.

FAQs

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

You can say, "The ambassador received a /s/warm+welcome at the embassy" or "The team gave the new player a "warm reception" after the game".

What's a less formal way to say "cordial reception"?

Alternatives include "friendly greeting" or "warm welcome", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "cordial reception" only used for people?

While often used for welcoming people, "cordial reception" can also describe the acceptance of ideas or proposals, though this usage is less common than with people. A more precise phrasing might be "favorable reception" in those cases.

What words are similar to "cordial"?

Similar adjectives include "friendly", "gracious", "amiable", and "affable". Choosing the best word depends on the specific context and the degree of warmth or formality you want to express.