What does hospitably mean?
“Hospitably” is an adverb describing conduct that is warm, generous, and welcoming, especially toward guests or visitors. It is commonly used in formal accounts of hospitality and social encounters, as in saying that someone was “hospitably received” or “hospitably entertained.” The word carries a positive connotation and suggests more than merely providing food or shelter: it conveys kindness, courtesy, and an effort to make another person feel comfortable. Although it can apply to personal behavior, it is also often used of households, communities, institutions, and cultures. In informal conversation, “warmly” or “generously” may sound more natural, but “hospitably” is useful when the emphasis falls specifically on a welcoming attitude toward guests. The word belongs to the same family as “hospitable” and “hospitality,” all reflecting the ancient idea of receiving and entertaining travelers or strangers.
adverbIn a manner characterized by warmth, generosity, and a welcoming attitude toward guests.
- In a hospitable, welcoming, and generous manner.
"The visitors were received hospitably by every member of the family."
"The innkeeper hospitably offered the stranded travellers a warm meal and a comfortable room."
"She was hospitably received by the local community despite arriving as a stranger."
The Latin root behind “hospitably” referred to both host and guest—the two sides of the same welcoming encounter.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hospitably come from?
The word entered English in the late Middle English period through French, ultimately deriving from Latin hospitabilis, meaning “friendly to guests” or “providing hospitality.” Latin hospitabilis was formed from hospes, a word that could refer to a host, a guest, or a visitor, and also gave rise to the tradition of hospitium, a guesthouse or lodging place. English words such as “hospitality,” “hospital,” and “hospice” continue to reflect this ancient root, while “host” preserves one of its original meanings.
Related word forms
How hospitably is actually used
The adverb is natural in both formal and literary prose, especially when describing the treatment of visitors. It is less common in everyday speech than simpler alternatives such as “warmly” or “generously.”