Reading Theme:
Comfortable: Meaning, Usage, and Common Mistakes (3 meaning)
Meaning 1：providing physical ease and relaxation (comfortable)
comfortable
/ˈkʌmfərtəbəl/
adj.
Describing things (like clothes, chairs, beds) that make you feel relaxed, warm, and pleasant, not tight or painful, and make you want to stay in them.
providing physical ease and relaxation
➕
/prəˈvaɪdɪŋ ˈfɪzɪkəl iːz ænd ˌrilækˈseɪʃən/
adj.
Describes objects like clothes, chairs, or beds that make you feel relaxed, warm, and pleasant, without causing pain or discomfort.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'confortare' (to strengthen) + '-able' (capable of).
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'come for table' – a place where you can relax.
📖 Example
After a long day, I just want to sink into my comfortable armchair and read a book.
After a long day, I just want to sink into my comfortable armchair and read a book.
🔗 Collocations
comfortable chair – a chair that is soft and supporting, good for sitting
comfortable clothes – clothes that are loose, soft, and not restrictive
comfortable bed – a bed with a good mattress and pillows that allows restful sleep
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
uncomfortable (adj.) – causing physical discomfort or pain
tight (adj.) – fitting too closely and restricting movement
hard (adj.) – not soft; difficult to sit or lie on
🌱 Derivatives
comfortably (adv.) – in a way that provides physical ease
comfort (n.) – a state of physical ease and freedom from pain
uncomfortable (adj.) – not comfortable; causing discomfort
📖 Cultural Story
Originally 'comfort' meant to strengthen, not just ease. In the 18th century, it shifted to physical relaxation due to furniture innovations.
Meaning 2：financially well-off (comfortable)
comfortable
/ˈkʌmfərtəbəl/
adj.
Having enough money or time to live well, without worrying about basic needs like food or rent.
financially well-off
➕
/ˈfaɪnænʃəli ˈwɛl ɔːf/
adj.
Having enough money or resources to live without worrying about basic expenses, allowing a relaxed lifestyle.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
She has a comfortable retirement savings, so she can travel and enjoy her hobbies without financial stress.
She has a comfortable retirement savings, so she can travel and enjoy her hobbies without financial stress.
🔗 Collocations
comfortable income – an income that covers all needs and some wants easily
comfortable lifestyle – a way of living that is pleasant and free from financial worry
comfortable retirement – a retirement period with enough savings to live well
🔄 Synonyms
well-off (adj.) – having a good amount of money; prosperous
affluent (adj.) – having a lot of wealth; rich
prosperous (adj.) – successful and having a lot of money
🚫 Antonyms
poor (adj.) – having very little money or resources
needy (adj.) – not having enough money for basic needs
impoverished (adj.) – made very poor
🌱 Derivatives
comfortably (adv.) – in a financially easy way
comfort (n.) – financial ease or security
Meaning 3：at ease with someone or something (comfortable)
comfortable
/ˈkʌmfərtəbəl/
adj.
Feeling relaxed, natural, and able to be yourself when you are with someone or doing something, without feeling nervous, shy, or awkward.
at ease with someone or something
➕
/æt iːz wɪð ˈsʌmwʌn ɔːr ˈsʌmθɪŋ/
adj.
Feeling relaxed and natural in a social situation, without nervousness or awkwardness.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Even though she's my new colleague, I feel very comfortable talking to her about my ideas.
Even though she's my new colleague, I feel very comfortable talking to her about my ideas.
🔗 Collocations
feel comfortable with – to experience a sense of ease and trust in a relationship or activity
make someone comfortable – to help someone relax in a new situation
comfortable silence – a quiet moment between people that feels natural and not awkward
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
comfortably (adv.) – in a way that shows ease and confidence
comfort (n.) – a feeling of relaxation and freedom from worry
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