WordGarden.iocomfortable
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /kˈʌmftəbəl/
US
- /ˈkəmfərtəbəl/
Meanings
Adjective
physically pleasant and free from discomfort
relaxed, confident, and not anxious in a situation
having enough money for an easy or secure life
More meaningsFewer meanings
easily manageable or safely adequate
Beyond the definition
To be comfortable isn't just about having a soft chair! It describes a feeling of physical and emotional ease. You might feel physically comfortable wrapped in a warm blanket, or emotionally comfortable sharing secrets with a close friend. Sometimes it means being well-adjusted to a situation—for instance, "She's very comfortable speaking in public."
Think of a cat stretching out in a sunbeam—that's the ultimate picture of comfort! The word can also describe something providing ease, like a "comfortable salary" (meaning it is sufficient to live well) or a "comfortable distance" (meaning not too close). If someone says they are "too comfortable," it might mean they have become complacent and need a new challenge.
Comfortable describes a state of physical ease, emotional well-being, and general contentment. It goes beyond simply not being in pain; it implies a positive feeling of relaxation and security. For example: "The old armchair was so comfortable that he fell asleep within minutes." This refers to physical comfort—the sensation of being physically at rest and free from discomfort.
However, "comfortable" also carries strong emotional connotations. We feel comfortable with people we trust, in situations where we feel safe, and when our needs are met. To say "She felt comfortable enough to share her fears" means she trusted the listener and felt emotionally secure.
The word also describes a level of financial security: "They lived a comfortable life thanks to their savings." Here, it implies having enough resources to meet one's needs without worry. You might also hear about a "comfortable margin" in business or politics, meaning a lead large enough to feel confident of success.
Interestingly, "comfortable" can sometimes suggest a lack of growth. If someone is too comfortable, it can mean they have become complacent. "He was getting too comfortable with his routine" suggests he needed to step outside his comfort zone to progress. Whether describing a cozy chair, a trusting relationship, or financial stability, "comfortable" speaks to a sense of ease and being just right.
Examples
- 1
Clothing
These shoes are comfortable enough to wear all day.
- 2
Hospitality
Come in and make yourself comfortable.
- Phrasemake yourself comfortable
relax and behave as if you are at home
- 3
Social settings
I feel more comfortable in small groups than in large ones.
- 4
Sensitive topic
She wasn't comfortable talking to her boss about the mistake.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Plans
If you're not comfortable with the plan, we can change it.
- Patterncomfortable with + idea/plan
feeling okay about it
- 6
New classmates
He quickly became comfortable around his new classmates.
- 7
Independent decisions
After a few months, she was comfortable making decisions on her own.
- 8
Financial security
They're not rich, but they're financially comfortable.
- Phrasefinancially comfortable
having enough money for a good life
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- comfortable chair
- comfortable shoes
- feel comfortable
- make yourself comfortable
Word family
Explore
- ergonomics
- relaxation
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- comfortableadjective