Amiable

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈeɪ.mi.É™.bÉ™l/, /ˈæ.mi.É™.bÉ™l/

Origin

Middle English amyable, from Old French amiable, from Late Latin amīcābilis ("friendly"), from Latin amīcus ("friend"), from amō ("I love"). The meaning has been influenced by French aimable, Latin amābilis ("loveable"). Compare with amicable, amorous, amability.

Full definition of amiable

Adjective

1. Friendly; kind; sweet; gracious; as, an amiable temper or mood; amiable ideas.
• 1907, w, The Younger Set Chapter 3, A short time afterward at the opera Gerald dragged him into a parterre to say something amiable to one of the amiable débutante Craig girls—and Selwyn found himself again facing Alixe.
2. Possessing sweetness of disposition; having sweetness of temper; kindhearted; which causes one to be liked; as, an amiable person.
• 1907, w, The Younger Set Chapter 3, A short time afterward at the opera Gerald dragged him into a parterre to say something amiable to one of the amiable débutante Craig girls—and Selwyn found himself again facing Alixe.

Usage notes

See amicable.

Synonyms

• likable

Derived terms

Related terms