far from cordial

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "far from cordial" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or interaction that is not friendly or warm, often indicating tension or hostility. Example: "The meeting was far from cordial, with both parties expressing their frustrations openly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But relations are far from cordial behind the scenes despite both sides claiming victory.

The Guardian

Dr. Southern remembered her reception at Harvard as far from cordial.

The New York Times

As it turned out, the relationship between SHAEF and Field Marshal Sir Bernard Montgomery's 21st Army Group was far from cordial, with the Deputy Supreme Commander, Air Chief Marshal Sir Arthur Tedder, and the Deputy Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Frederick Morgan, both frequently critical of Montgomery.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

But they struck me as similar to small-town Rotary Club members or Junior Chamber of Commerce officials — polite and cordial, but far from rocket scientists.

The New York Times

The researchers believe studies like this are only the beginning of work that's been needed for some time, since the Internet is far from being the worldwide village of cordial debate and discussion people once thought it would become.

Stanford University

I know I've repeated myself enough times here that I'm starting to sound like I'm brain damaged but then I thought my other emails were pretty clear and they never even elicited a response from you in spite of them being far, far more cordial; understanding, even.

TechCrunch

If this seems like an exaggeration, consider some far less cordial transfers of power in the past.

The New York Times

In the case of Jana and McGraw-Hill, the talks have so far been cordial, said a person briefed on the conversations.

The New York Times

By all accounts, the governor and his girlfriend, Sandra Lee, the Food Network celebrity chef, are cordial neighbors; their house is far from an eyesore and their bucolic hamlet has the additional lure of a desirable school district.

The New York Times

Far from.

The Economist

And far from mellow.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing relationships or interactions, use "far from cordial" to subtly indicate underlying tension or disagreement without being overly aggressive. For example, "While outwardly polite, their meeting was far from cordial."

Common error

Avoid using "far from cordial" in casual conversation or informal writing. Its slightly formal tone can sound unnatural or pretentious in everyday settings. Opt for simpler phrases like "not very friendly" or "unfriendly".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "far from cordial" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to describe its state or quality. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is valid and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "far from cordial" is a grammatically sound way to describe interactions or relationships lacking warmth and genuine friendliness. Ludwig AI validated its correctness and usability. While not extremely frequent, it finds use primarily in news and media, academia, and on wikis. Related phrases offer varied ways to express similar sentiments, ranging from simply "not at all friendly" to the more intense "outright antagonistic". When writing, remember that "far from cordial" carries a slightly formal tone, making it best suited for professional or neutral contexts. When you wish to indicate a strained yet civil situation, this phrase hits the mark.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not at all friendly

Replaces figurative language with direct description of lacking friendliness.

anything but friendly

Emphasizes the lack of friendliness using a contrasting structure.

decidedly unfriendly

Adds a sense of determination or obviousness to the lack of friendliness.

somewhat hostile

Indicates a mild level of antagonism, less neutral than "far from cordial".

not very warm

Replaces "cordial" with its basic, literal meaning, lowering intensity.

less than amicable

Uses a more formal tone to describe the absence of friendliness.

rather strained

Focuses on the tension rather than the lack of warmth.

not exactly congenial

Similar to 'not at all friendly' but uses more sophisticated vocabulary.

barely civil

Suggests a minimum level of politeness without genuine warmth.

outright antagonistic

Emphasizes the active opposition or hostility between parties.

FAQs

How can I use "far from cordial" in a sentence?

Use "far from cordial" to describe a situation or interaction that lacks warmth and friendliness, often implying underlying tension. For example, "The negotiations were far from cordial, with both sides refusing to compromise".

What are some alternatives to "far from cordial"?

You can use alternatives like "not at all friendly", "anything but friendly", or "somewhat hostile" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does "far from cordial" imply beyond just 'unfriendly'?

"Far from cordial" suggests a degree of politeness or civility is maintained on the surface, even though genuine warmth or friendliness is absent. It implies a restrained tension, where overt hostility might be inappropriate or suppressed.

Is "far from cordial" a formal or informal expression?

"Far from cordial" leans towards the formal side. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "not very friendly" might be more appropriate.