Bonhomie
/ˌbɒnəˈmiː/
nounC2
Definition
Bonhomie is the quality of being warm, kind, and friendly in a relaxed and natural way. It describes a happy mood or attitude that helps people get along well and enjoy each other's company. It is often used to describe someone's pleasant and cheerful personality.
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See It in Action
Friendly and cheerful behavior or atmosphere
- •The party was full of bonhomie, with everyone smiling and chatting happily.
- •His bonhomie made new people feel welcome quickly.
- •There was a sense of bonhomie among the team after their success.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "bonhomie" like "friendliness," but with a stronger feeling of warmth and happiness that makes others feel very welcome.
- ✓Picture a group of friends laughing together around a fire, feeling relaxed and happy.
- ✓It's the feeling you get when someone smiles at you kindly and talks to you like an old friend.
- ✓Sounds like "bon-HO-mee" → imagine a "bon" (good) home where everyone is smiling and kind.
- ✓In stories, bonhomie is like the cheerful spirit of a friendly village where everyone knows and helps each other.
- ✓NOT like "politeness" (which can be formal and quiet), bonhomie is open, warm, and easygoing.
- ✓NOT like "happiness" alone, bonhomie includes friendliness and warmth toward others.
- ✓NOT like "friendship" (which is a relationship), bonhomie is the cheerful, kind way a person acts.
Try Other Words
- •Cheerfulness: happy and positive mood (Use when focusing more on happiness than friendliness)
- •Cordiality: polite and warm behavior (Use in more formal situations)
- •Geniality: friendly and pleasant manner (Use when emphasizing gentle kindness)
- •Conviviality: friendly and lively atmosphere (Use when talking about social events or gatherings)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: French origin; "bon" means good + "homme" means man, together suggesting "good man" or good-natured person
- •Etymology: From French "bonhomie," meaning good-naturedness or friendliness
- •Historical development: Entered English in the late 18th century to describe a cheerful and friendly spirit
- •Modern usage: Used mostly in formal or literary contexts to describe warm, friendly behavior or atmosphere
Reflect & Connect
•How can showing bonhomie help improve relationships in your daily life?
•Can bonhomie be genuine if someone is feeling unhappy inside? How do people show true warmth?
Fill in the blanks
1.At the meeting, her bonhomie helped ___ a relaxed and friendly atmosphere among the strangers.
2.Bonhomie often makes people feel ___ and ready to share their thoughts freely.
3.Unlike simple politeness, bonhomie shows a ___ and cheerful attitude toward others.
4.The boss's bonhomie made employees feel ___ even during stressful times.
5.Bonhomie is different from just happiness because it includes ___ toward other people.
6.When the team showed bonhomie, they ___ better cooperation and trust.
7.You can often see bonhomie in ___ social gatherings where people enjoy each other's company.