welcoming
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Meaning
friendly and making you feel happy and accepted
(of a place or thing) pleasant and inviting, making you feel comfortable
Structure
Usage
the hotel staff gave us a very welcoming smile.
the living room felt cozy and welcoming.
she has a naturally welcoming personality that puts people at ease.
Etymology
The word 'welcoming' is built upon the core concept of 'welcome', which originates from the Old English compound 'wilcuma', literally meaning a 'pleasure-guest' or a desired comer. The 'wel-' element is related to 'will' and denotes desire or pleasure, while '-come' relates to the arrival of a guest. The addition of the '-ing' suffix, a productive participial ending in English, transforms the verb into an adjective, describing the act or quality of receiving someone warmly. Thus, the modern abstract meaning of a friendly, receptive, and inviting atmosphere logically extends from the ancient notion of greeting a desired arrival with pleasure.
Analysis
welcom is derived from old english 'wilcuma' (a desired guest), from 'wil-' (desire, pleasure) + 'cuma' (guest, comer). the suffix -ing is from old english '-ende', a present participle ending used to form adjectives.