Comfortable means feeling physically relaxed and at ease, without pain or discomfort. When you sink into a soft couch after a long day, you feel comfortable. When your shoes fit well and don't pinch your toes, they're comfortable. A comfortable bed lets you sleep soundly through the night.

The word also describes emotional ease. You might feel comfortable around close friends because you can be yourself without worrying about what they think. A student who feels comfortable asking questions in class trusts that the teacher and classmates won't make fun of them. When you're uncomfortable in a situation, you feel awkward, tense, or out of place.

People also use comfortable to describe having enough money to live without constant worry. A family in comfortable circumstances can pay their bills, buy what they need, and have some left over for treats or savings. They're not wealthy, but they're not struggling either.

Sometimes being too comfortable can hold you back. When you stay in your comfort zone, you stick to familiar activities instead of trying new challenges. Growth often requires pushing past comfort into situations that feel a bit uncertain or scary at first.