Word
amiable
Phoneticsami·able
US/ˈeɪmiəbəɫ/
UK/ˈeɪmiəbəl/
Definition
adj. friendly and pleasant in a way that makes people like you.
adj. having or displaying a friendly and pleasant manner; easy to like due to a kind disposition.
Examples
“He is an amiable person who gets along with everyone.”
“The host created an amiable atmosphere that made all the guests feel comfortable and welcome.”
“Despite the high stakes of the negotiation, the two parties maintained an amiable tone, eventually reaching a compromise that satisfied both sides.”
Examples
simple
“He is an amiable person who gets along with everyone.”
contextual
“The host created an amiable atmosphere that made all the guests feel comfortable and welcome.”
complex
“Despite the high stakes of the negotiation, the two parties maintained an amiable tone, eventually reaching a compromise that satisfied both sides.”
Pitfall
The two countries reached an amiable agreement.
The two countries reached an amicable agreement.
Use 'amiable' for people's personalities. Use 'amicable' for situations, like agreements or divorces, that are settled without fighting.
Real-World Examples
“By embracing the role of amiable lunk, the wrestler turned actor has become an unlikely, and very modern, leading man.” “Trent – an amiable young father, still dithering over baby names – is the closest Lorentzen’s film has to a hero.” Etymology
From Middle English amyable, from Old French amiable, from Late Latin amīcābilis (“friendly”), from Latin amīcus (“friend”), from amō (“love”, verb). The meaning has been influenced by French amiable and Latin amābilis (“loveable”) (whence English aimable and amable). Doublet of amicable. Compare with amorous, amability.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- 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
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