Difference Between Amiable and Amicable

Main Difference – Amiable vs Amicable

The two adjectives amiable and amicable come from the same Latin roots amicabilis meaning pleasant and friendly. Therefore, both these adjectives have similar meanings. Amiable means having or displaying a friendly and pleasant manner. Amicable means characterized by friendliness and absence of discord. The difference between amiable and amicable lies in their usage. The term amiable is often used to describe a personality or atmosphere whereas amicable often refers to relationships or interactions between people. This difference in usage is the main difference between amiable and amicable.

This article looks at,

1. What Does Amiable Mean – Definition, Meaning, Usage and Examples

2. What Does Amicable mean – Definition, Meaning, Usage and Examples

3. Difference Between Amiable and Amicable – Comparison of Meaning and Usage

What Does Amiable Mean

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines amiable as “friendly and pleasant” and Oxford dictionary defines it as “having or displaying a friendly and pleasant manner”. Thus, this adjective can be used to describe people with friendly dispositions. Flight attendants, receptionists, sales assistants are supposed to be amiable. Although some experts are of the view that amiable is only used to describe people, it can also be used to refer to agreeable and sociable thing. Look at the following examples to understand the meaning clearly.

He was a young, amiable man in late twenties.

An amiable young woman greeted them at the door.

A kind and amiable man, he was loved by all.

We had an amiable conversation with our new neighbor.

His friends and neighbors described him as an amiable man.

She created an amiable villain with a dark past.

She is an amiable young woman.

What Does Amicable Mean

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines amiable as “showing a polite and friendly desire to avoid disagreement and argument” and Oxford dictionary defines it as “characterized by friendliness and absence of discord”. As seen from these definitions, amicable is used to describe relations or interactions which might otherwise expect to be unfriendly. For example, an amicable divorce refers to a divorce where two parties act friendly and mature towards each other; an amicable breakup refers to the end of an affair which ends without any discord or hard feelings. The adjective amicable is often used to describe interactions, relations or situations. Look at the following examples to understand the meaning clearly.

The meeting was relatively amicable.

They managed to reach an amicable agreement.

The marriage ended in an amicable divorce.

Everyone was relieved when the two parties reached an amicable agreement.

The management was unable to find an amicable solution to the crisis.

The two parties involved reached an amicable settlement without seeking legal advice.