Someone was wrong about something. I explained to the person very kindly and with "social tact" how they were wrong and why the right answer was, in fact, the right answer. Subsequently this person became passive-aggressive in their actions. Now, I am explaining to a third party what occurred, and I want to convey that I was very cordial or congenial while explaining that the original person was incorrect, so as to say that it didn't warrant the outcome.
- Would congenial be appropriate here?
- Is cordial better than congenial? (What's the subtle difference?)
- Is there any other word that would be better suited to convey that I was very socially sensitive and friendly in the way I presented to the person why their answer was incorrect?
Best Answer
I don't think so. Congenial means agreeable, sure, but that agreeability is because of similarities in preferences. See the Oxford definition.
Cordial is certainly better.
I think you should go with tactful and cordial.
If you're looking for another word, I'd suggest
decorous
M-W
Oxford