Literary notes about cordial (AI summary)
Writers employ "cordial" in varied and nuanced ways. In some works it describes a medicinal or restorative drink, as seen when Culpeper praises a richly perfumed and stomach-strengthening cordial [1] and when the text names a chilled raspberry cordial that once set people adrift in its potency [2]. In other contexts, the term conveys warmth and sincere friendliness—a "cordial welcome" or "cordial reception" that reassures and bonds characters, as illustrated in passages that recount generous greetings and heartfelt alliances [3][4][5]. Moreover, "cordial" can characterize tones and expressions, hinting at an underlying affectionate, though sometimes measured, manner in interactions [6][7]. Thus, its usage ranges from literal remedies to metaphorical expressions of amiable relationship and genuine emotional support.
- Wood of Aloes; is moderately hot and dry: a good cordial: a rich perfume, a great strengthener to the stomach.
— from The Complete Herbal by Nicholas Culpeper - “I never thought raspberry cordial would set people drunk, Marilla—not even if they drank three big tumblerfuls as Diana did.
— from Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery - The Surintendant, partial to men of letters, gave La Fontaine a cordial reception, and bestowed upon him a liberal pension.
— from The Fables of La Fontaine by Jean de La Fontaine - If the stranger had any doubts about his reception, they were set at rest in a minute by the cordial welcome he received.
— from Little Women by Louisa May Alcott - And then she wept a little, and kissed and blessed him, and they parted on the most cordial of terms.
— from A True Friend: A Novel by Adeline Sergeant - "How I hoped you would begin, and how go on, I told you when we spoke of these things last," said Mr. Jarndyce in a cordial and encouraging manner.
— from Bleak House by Charles Dickens - “We won’t speak of it any more, my dear,” said Pierre, and his gentle, cordial tone suddenly seemed very strange to Natásha.
— from War and Peace by graf Leo Tolstoy
