comfortable
- 1Pleasant to be in, sit on, or wear, so your body feels relaxed and at ease.
Like sinking into a soft bed after a long, tiring day.
These shoes are so comfortable that I can walk in them all day.
We bought a big, comfortable sofa for the living room.
UsageSay more comfortable and most comfortable.
Similarcozy, snug, pleasant, restful, homey
Oppositeuncomfortable
Note
- 2Feeling sure and calm about something, with no worry.
Like feeling calm enough to relax around brand-new friends.
I'm not comfortable lending him that much money.
She felt comfortable speaking in front of the whole class.
UsageSay comfortable with something or comfortable doing something.
Similarconfident, relaxed, happy, secure, settled
Oppositeuneasy, uncomfortable, nervous, anxious
- 3Feeling relaxed and at ease, with nothing bothering you.
Like a cat curled up asleep in a warm, sunny spot.
She felt warm and comfortable under the thick blanket.
Make yourself comfortable while I get us some tea.
UsageMake yourself comfortable is a kind way to tell a guest to relax.
Similarrelaxed, content, contented
Oppositeuncomfortable, restless, distressed
Note
- 4Big enough to be more than you need, so there is no worry.
Like having extra money left over after paying for everything.
They won the game by a comfortable margin.
She left with a comfortable hour to spare before her train.
UsageUsed with words like lead, margin and win.
Similarample, healthy, safe, substantial, sizable
Oppositenarrow, slim, meager, slender
Note
- 5Having enough money to live well without financial worry.
My grandparents are not rich, but they are comfortable.
He grew up in a comfortable family, so money was never a problem.
UsageA polite way to say someone has enough money. People also say comfortably off.
Similarwell-off, prosperous, secure
Less common meanings
- 6Giving comfort or kind words to someone who is sad or in trouble.
Note
- 7Useful and helpful for getting a job done.
Be comfortable to my mother, your mistress, and make much of her.
c. 1604, William Shakespeare, “All’s Well, that Ends Well”Here, comfortable means helpful and useful, a good support to someone.Note
- 8Strong, brave, and full of energy in body and spirit.
Thy conceit is nearer death than thy powers. For my sake be comfortable; hold death a while at the arm's end.
c. 1598, William Shakespeare, “As You Like It”Here, comfortable means strong and brave, so stay brave and keep going.Note
- 9A thick, soft bed cover filled with stuffing to keep you warm.
Showing meanings only.
Practice
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Origin
It is built from comfort and -able. Middle English had comfortable, taken from Old French confortable, which came from conforter.