Which word means cheerful, friendly, and sympathetic?

• A. Globe
• B. Goad
• C. Global
• D. Genial

Answer: (D)

This item tests your ability to match a word to a warm, sociable demeanor. Genial means cheerful, friendly, and easy to be with; it also carries a sense of sympathetic warmth in how someone interacts with others. That combination makes it the best fit for describing someone who is welcoming and kind-hearted. For example, a genial host puts guests at ease with a warm, approachable manner.

Globe refers to the Earth or a spherical shape, and global means worldwide—neither relates to mood or personality. Goad means to urge or provoke someone into action, which is about motivation, not demeanor. Globe and global are about scope or shape, while goad is about provoking, so they don’t capture the sense of a cheerful, friendly, and sympathetic character. Genial is the word that conveys that specific warmth and sociability.