Because both words have something to do with friendliness, amiable and amicable sometimes get mixed up by people. Both terms come from the Latin word amicabilis which means “friendly.” Adding to the confusion are their similar spellings, with a single “c” in the middle of amicable separating these two words. This post will examine the difference between the two and reveal how to use them properly in your writing.
The word amiable is used as an adjective which means “having or displaying a friendly and pleasant manner” or “generally agreeable.” This is a term usually used to describe people but may sometimes used to describe things being sociable or agreeable. Its synonyms include good-natured, obliging, and complaisant.
Autism-amiable accommodations make Hotel Port Aux Basques a pioneer in Canada
CBC.caAmiable writer in pursuit of a perfect sleep
Otago Daily TimesLa Scala di Seta review – Rossini’s amiable farce fizzes along gleefully
The Guardian
Meanwhile, the term amicable is used as an adjective meaning “of relations between people having a spirit of friendliness,” ”without serious disagreement or rancor,” or “characterized by friendly goodwill.” It is generally used to describe situations, interactions, and relationships.
Carmelo Anthony, wife La La reportedly believe they can work out amicable divorce
Larry Brown SportsPPIM and AGR reach amicable settlement
The Sun DailyThe amicable divorce – where did it all go wrong?
The Telegraph
Another word that adds to the confusion would be affable, which means “being pleasant and at ease in talking to others” or “characterized by ease and friendliness.”
Affable Paul McCartney plays and plays and plays at Wichita concert
Wichita Eagle
Hopefully, this post has helped you distinguish between amiable and amicable so you can use them properly in your sentences. Remember that an amicable event may only be possible if its attendees are amiable.