gezellig

Definition

Having a pleasant, cozy, or sociable atmosphere; inviting and convivial.

Etymology

Borrowed from Dutch gezellig.

Example Sentences

• "The Team's collective sense of responsibility was expended in the effort to create a gezellig environment for the children and one another. … This list is typical of the insight the Team had into the learnings buried inside the expressive arts they fostered. Though they talked often of their desire to maintain a gezellig environment in the school, and took great pain as well as pleasure in doing it, the goal of gezelligheid served other ends as well."
• "I’m told there’s a Dutch word that captures this spirit, which doesn’t translate exactly into English. But let me say that my first visit to the Netherlands has been truly gezellig."
• "Consistently excellent and inventive food in a very relaxed and gezellig environment."