Amity

Origin

From Old French amitié, from Medieval Latin *amicitas ("friendship"), from Latin amīcus ("friendly, a friend"), from amō ("I love").

Full definition of amity

Noun

1. (formal, literary) friendship. The cooperative and supportive relationship between people, or animals. In this sense, the term connotes a relationship which involves mutual knowledge, esteem, affection, and respect along with a degree of rendering service to friends in times of need or crisis.
• 1922: To my native place
  Bent upon returning,
  Bosom all day burning
  To be where my race
  Well were known, 'twas much with me
  There to dwell in amity. — Thomas Hardy, 'Welcome Home,' in Lyrics Late and Earlier, 1922
2. Mutual understanding and a peaceful relationship, especially between nations; peace; accord.

Antonyms

• enmity

Related terms

• amiable
• amicable
• amorous