comfortable
KUHMF-tuh-buhl
Comfortable (adj) means providing physical ease; free from pain, stress, or awkwardness. Example: “These are the most comfortable shoes I've ever owned.”
adj
1
Providing physical ease; free from pain, stress, or awkwardness.
"These are the most comfortable shoes I've ever owned."
"This sofa is so comfortable that I often fall asleep on it."
"Is the room warm enough, and are you comfortable?"
2
At ease mentally; relaxed and confident in a situation.
"She felt comfortable speaking in front of large crowds."
"I'm not comfortable lying to my friends about where I was."
"After a few weeks, the new recruits felt comfortable with the team."
3
Financially secure; having more than enough for one's needs.
"They live a comfortable life in the suburbs."
"She earns a comfortable salary and never worries about paying the bills."
"Their grandparents were comfortable and could help with university fees."
How to use comfortable
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAt ease — whether physically, emotionally, socially, or financially.
Common pairings
comfortable silence
comfortable lead
comfortable with
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Word forms
- Plural
- comfortables
- Comparative
- comfortabler, more comfortable
- Superlative
- comfortablest, most comfortable
Fill the gap
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These are the most _____ shoes I've ever owned.
Etymology
From Old French confortable, from conforter ("to comfort").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for comfortable
See all rhymes for comfortable →Frequently asked questions
What does “comfortable” mean?
The word “comfortable” means providing physical ease; free from pain, stress, or awkwardness. In plain terms, at ease — whether physically, emotionally, socially, or financially.
How do you pronounce “comfortable”?
“Comfortable” is pronounced KUHMF-tuh-buhl (/ˈkʌm(p)f.tə.bəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “comfortable” in a sentence?
Here is “comfortable” used in a sentence: “These are the most comfortable shoes I've ever owned.”
What is the opposite of “comfortable”?
The opposite of “comfortable” — its antonyms — are comfortless and uncomfortable.
What part of speech is “comfortable”?
“Comfortable” is an adjective.
Where does the word “comfortable” come from?
The word “comfortable” comes from Old French. From Old French confortable, from conforter ("to comfort").
Is “comfortable” a common word?
“Comfortable” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “comfortable” have?
“Comfortable” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: providing physical ease; free from pain, stress, or awkwardness.
What is the difference between comfortable and cozy?
Both describe physical ease, but with a difference in feel. Comfortable simply means free from pain, stress, or awkwardness — a comfortable chair or temperature. Cozy adds warmth, snugness, and a sense of intimacy, usually in a small, inviting space. Every cozy room is comfortable, but not every comfortable space feels cozy.
What is the opposite of comfortable?
The main opposite is "uncomfortable" — causing physical unease, pain, or awkwardness. Depending on context, "cramped," "painful," "stiff," or "awkward" also work. A comfortable situation puts you at ease, so its opposite is anything that creates discomfort, tension, or self-consciousness in body or mind.
Can comfortable describe feelings as well as things?
Yes. Comfortable describes physical ease, as in a comfortable bed, but it also describes emotional ease. Feeling comfortable with someone means being relaxed and unstrained around them. It can also mean financially secure — "comfortably off" — or confidently at ease, such as being comfortable speaking in public.
What is an example of comfortable?
A well-cushioned sofa that lets you relax without aches is comfortable. So is a room kept at a pleasant temperature, a pair of well-fitting shoes, or an easy conversation with a close friend. Each provides physical or emotional ease, free from pain, stress, or awkwardness.
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