Genial, a.
Etymology: [L. genialis: cf. OF. genial. See Genius.]
1. Contributing to, or concerned in, propagation or production; generative; procreative; productive. "The genial bed." Milton. Creator Venus, genial power of love. Dryden.
2. Contributing to, and sympathizing with, the enjoyment of life; sympathetically cheerful and cheering; jovial and inspiring joy or happiness; exciting pleasure and sympathy; enlivening; kindly; as, she was of a cheerful and genial disposition. So much I feel my genial spirits droop. Milton.
3. Belonging to one's genius or natural character; native; natural; inborn. [Obs.] Natural incapacity and genial indisposition. Sir T. Browne.
4. Denoting or marked with genius [R.] Men of genius have often attached the highest value to their less genial works. Hare. Genial gods (Pagan Mythol.), the powers supposed to preside over marriage and generation.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Genial, a. (Anat.)
Same as Genian.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for genial; he lists it under comfortable, friendly.
Where he writes about it:
Companionable and sociable refer to manner and behavior, cordial and genial express genuine kindliness of heart. — from friendly