Word
affable
Phoneticsaf·fa·ble, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈæfəbəɫ/
UK/ˈæfəbəl/
Definition
adj. friendly and easy to talk to. You feel comfortable around this kind of person.
adj. friendly, good-natured, and easy to approach in manner or conversation. Often describes a person whose warmth puts others at ease.
Examples
“Our new neighbour is affable and chats with everyone.”
“The receptionist's affable greeting makes visitors feel welcome as soon as they enter the office.”
“Despite his demanding schedule, the professor remained affable, pausing between lectures to answer questions with genuine patience.”
Examples
simple
“Our new neighbour is affable and chats with everyone.”
contextual
“The receptionist's affable greeting makes visitors feel welcome as soon as they enter the office.”
complex
“Despite his demanding schedule, the professor remained affable, pausing between lectures to answer questions with genuine patience.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “affable” in context.
Verb
01. affable to
“The hotel staff were affable to every guest from check-in.”
adj + prep
02. affable with
“She is affable with clients and colleagues alike.”
adj + prep
03. appear affable
“The interviewer appeared affable, which helped me relax immediately.”
verb + adj
04. remain affable
“Good leaders remain affable even under intense pressure.”
verb + adj
Adjective
05. genuinely affable
“Our professor is genuinely affable and always makes time for students.”
adv + adj
06. remarkably affable
“Despite his fame, the actor was remarkably affable with fans and journalists.”
adv + adj
Noun
07. affable host
“As an affable host, she ensures everyone feels welcome.”
adj + noun
08. affable manner
“His affable manner puts new employees at ease instantly.”
adj + noun
09. affable personality
“His affable personality makes him ideal for customer relations.”
adj + noun
10. affable smile
“He greeted us with an affable smile and a firm handshake.”
adj + noun
11. affable smile and easy charm
“The candidate won voters with an affable smile and easy charm.”
12. remain affable under pressure
“A good diplomat knows how to remain affable under pressure.”
Usage
Describes people and their manner; used both before a noun and after linking verbs such as 'be' or 'seem'.
Real-World Examples
“Eala's emergence on the women's tour has made her one of the most compelling stories in the game, with large crowds following her at the Grand Slams to witness her fearless tennis on court and enjoy her affable nature off it.” Etymology
Borrowed from French affable, from Latin affābilis, from affor (“to address”), from ad + for (“to speak, to talk”). See fable.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/affable