comfortable
gb/kˈʌmfɚtəbəl/ us/kˈʌmfɚtəbəl/
A2
English
~ 2300
Senses
0 senses
adjective
A2
property
1
Physically pleasant and relaxing
Making you feel relaxed and not in pain or discomfort.
Usage pattern:
[something] is comfortable
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'comfortable' with 'comforting'; 'comforting' refers to emotional support, not physical ease.
Synonyms
cozy (Suggests warmth and snugness in addition to comfort.)
|
pleasant (More general; can refer to comfort but also to other agreeable qualities.)
Antonyms
uncomfortable (Direct opposite; causes discomfort or unease physically.)
Collocations
comfortable chair
|comfortable bed
|comfortable shoes
|comfortable position
Themes
daily life
|home
|health
|daily_life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- This sofa is so comfortable that I could sit here all day.
- She wore comfortable shoes for the long walk.
- The bed was warm and comfortable after a cold day outside.
- He found a comfortable position and began to read.
- The hotel room was clean and comfortable.
Learner examples
- This chair is very comfortable.
- I like my comfortable bed.
- These shoes are comfortable for walking.
- The sofa is soft and comfortable.
- I sleep in a comfortable room.
adjective
A2
property
2
Feeling physically at ease
Feeling good and relaxed in your body, without pain or discomfort.
Usage pattern:
[someone] feels comfortable
Synonyms
relaxed (Emphasizes calmness as well as physical ease.)
Antonyms
uncomfortable (Feeling physical discomfort or pain.)
Collocations
feel comfortable
|be comfortable
|stay comfortable
Themes
daily life
|health
|body
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Are you comfortable sitting there?
- She felt comfortable in the reclining chair.
- If you're not comfortable, we can take a break.
Learner examples
- I am comfortable here.
- Are you comfortable in that seat?
- He is comfortable now.
adjective
B1
property
3
At ease emotionally or socially
Feeling relaxed and okay with a person, place, or situation.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is comfortable with [someone/something]
Synonyms
at ease (Similar meaning; commonly used in social contexts.)
Antonyms
uneasy (Feeling socially or emotionally uncomfortable.)
Collocations
comfortable with people
|comfortable talking about
|comfortable in public
Themes
emotions
|social
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- I’m not comfortable discussing my salary.
- She feels comfortable around her close friends.
- He wasn't comfortable with the idea of moving abroad.
Learner examples
- I am comfortable with my friends.
- She is not comfortable talking about money.
- He feels comfortable in his new school.
adjective
B2
property
4
Financially secure and free from hardship
Having enough money to live a good life without worry about money.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is comfortable financially
Synonyms
well-off (Slightly more informal; often suggests more wealth than just security.)
Antonyms
struggling (Having difficulty meeting basic financial needs.)
Collocations
comfortable income
|comfortable lifestyle
Themes
money
|lifestyle
|finance
|daily_life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- They have a comfortable income and can afford to travel often.
- She grew up in a comfortable middle-class family.
- After years of hard work, he is finally financially comfortable.
Learner examples
- My family has a comfortable life.
- They have a comfortable home and enough money.
- He is comfortable and does not worry about bills.
Grammar
Dictionary form
comfortable
IPA
GB/kˈʌmfɚtəbəl/
US/kˈʌmfɚtəbəl/
Syllables & stress
com - fort - able (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (com)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: comfortable
Word family
Core family
comfort
noun A2
comfortably
adverb B1
Related words
comforting
adjective
comfortingly
adverb
comfy
adjective
Negative and opposite forms
Expressions
feel comfortable with
1/fˈil kˈʌmfɚtəbəl wˈɪθ/
fixed phrase
Be at ease with something/someone
To feel okay, relaxed, or not worried about something or someone.
Examples
- I don’t feel comfortable with this plan.
- She feels comfortable with her new team already.
in your comfort zone
1/ˈɪn jˈʊɹ kˈʌmfɚt zˈoʊn/
idiom
In a familiar, easy situation
In a place or situation where you feel safe, at ease, and not challenged.
Examples
- He rarely steps out of his comfort zone at work.
- Traveling alone pushed her out of her comfort zone.
make yourself comfortable
1/mˈeɪk jʊɹsˈɛlf kˈʌmfɚtəbəl/
fixed phrase
Settle in for relaxation or ease
Do what you need to feel relaxed and at ease, especially when visiting someone’s home.
Examples
- Please come in and make yourself comfortable while I prepare some tea.
- He told his guests to make themselves comfortable before dinner.
too close for comfort
1/tˈu klˈoʊs fɚ kˈʌmfɚt/
idiom
Unpleasantly near danger or trouble
Close enough to cause worry or fear.
Examples
- The car swerved too close for comfort.
- That lightning strike was too close for comfort.