Literary notes about cordiality (AI summary)
Writers employ the term "cordiality" to denote a warmth or formality in interactions that can oscillate between genuine kindness and affected politeness. In some works, it marks an unexpected burst of heartfelt welcome or natural ease, as when its presence surprises a character or softens a tense moment [1, 2, 3]. In other texts, however, the word hints at a superficial or even ironic display of friendliness, suggesting that such warmth might be more a ritual than a reflection of true emotion [4, 5]. Beyond personal interactions, cordiality sometimes serves as a benchmark for ideal social or diplomatic behavior, contrasting sharply with more formal or even chilly exchanges in political or public contexts [6, 7, 8].
- His cordiality was a complete surprise to Alyosha.
— from The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky - The captain, M. Bjarne, was on board, and was rather surprised at the energy and cordiality with which his future passenger shook him by the hand.
— from A Journey to the Centre of the Earth by Jules Verne - In the drawing-room they were met with equal cordiality by the mother, and Miss Bertram had all the distinction with each that she could wish.
— from Mansfield Park by Jane Austen - It was not possible to resist such a request, yet it was conceded on the part of Gerard with no cordiality.
— from Sybil, Or, The Two Nations by Earl of Beaconsfield Benjamin Disraeli - Mrs. Gardner was tall and thin and handsome, exquisitely gowned, cordial with a cordiality that seemed a trifle forced.
— from Anne of the Island by L. M. Montgomery - The feeling between the Northern and Southern sections of the Union was lacking in the cordiality which was necessary to the welfare of both.
— from The Art of Public Speaking by Dale Carnegie and J. Berg Esenwein - There was no unity in the views of the allied powers, no cordiality in their co-operation, no energy in their councils.
— from The Life of Horatio, Lord Nelson by Robert Southey - The pope did not receive the old man with much cordiality; and, after remaining for about two years in Rome, he proceed
— from Memoirs of Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds by Charles Mackay
