What is the difference between “comfortable” and “convenient”?

In English there is quite a big difference between “comfortable” and “convenient”, but in some other languages, the difference might not be quite so clear. In Russian, for example, the word “Удобный” (udobnyy) can be translated as either “comfortable” or “convenient”.

“A comfortable chair” can be very different from “a convenient chair”.

If we say a chair is comfortable, we mean that we feel good when we sit in it – perhaps because it has a soft cushion and a firm back.

If we say that a chair is convenient, we probably mean that it is positioned where it is useful or easy to reach. Perhaps it is close to the window so that we can see what is happening outside. Or perhaps we have been working hard, need to sit down and the chair is exactly where we need it to be.

So, “comfortable” is about how something feels.

And “convenient” is about something being easy to reach or easy to use.

Here are some more expressions using “comfortable”:

• Wear comfortable, loose clothing to the gym.
• They live in very comfortable surroundings.
• Are you comfortable or shall I turn up the heating?
• She never feels comfortable wearing high heels.
• Sit down here and make yourself comfortable.
• The cat looks very comfortable on that chair.

And here are some more expressions using “convenient”:

• Travelling by bus is a convenient way of getting around.
• This house is very convenient located for getting to the office.
• The shop has very convenient opening hours.
• It is very convenient to be able to do your banking online.
• What time would it be convenient for me to visit?
• It would be more convenient for me if we could meet tomorrow instead of today.
• People who work long hours find ready cooked meals very convenient.

Comfortable can also be used figuratively:

• He earns a comfortable salary.
  • Meaning that he earns enough to live on without worrying.
• They are quite comfortable.
  • Meaning that they have enough money.
• I’m comfortable with that suggestion.
  • Meaning that I accept that suggestion (even though it might not be what I wanted)
• I’m not comfortable speaking in front of an audience.
  • Meaning that I don’t really like speaking front of an audience.
• I don’t feel comfortable with him.
  • Meaning that I don’t like being with him (because of what he might do).

Finally, here is something to think about. What do you think Martin Luther King, Junior meant when he said: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy”?

^{Thanks to Dasha for the question}

Posted by Graham