different between amicable vs amity

English

Etymology

From Late Latin am?c?bilis (“friendly”); see amiable.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?æ.m?.k?.b?l/

Adjective

amicable (comparative more amicable, superlative most amicable)

1. Showing friendliness or goodwill.

   They hoped to reach an amicable agreement.

   He was an amicable fellow with an easy smile.

Usage notes

Amicable is particularly used of relationships or agreements (especially legal proceedings, such as divorce), with meaning ranging from simply “not quarrelsome, mutually consenting” to “quite friendly”. By contrast, the similar term amiable is especially used to mean “pleasant, lovable”, such as an “amiable smile”.

Derived terms

Related terms

• amiable
• amity

Translations

References

Further reading

• amicable in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.
• amicable in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911.
• amicable at OneLook Dictionary Search

English

Etymology

Borrowed from Old French amitié, from Vulgar Latin *am?cit?s, *am?cit?tem, from Latin am?cus (“friendly, a friend”) (based on am?citia, from am? (“I love”).

Pronunciation

• (US) IPA^(key): /?æ.m?.ti/, [?æ.m?.?i]

Noun

amity (plural amities)

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, Thomas Hardy, “Welcome Home,” in Lyrics Late and Earlier

     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.

2. Mutual understanding and a peaceful relationship, especially between nations; peace; accord.

Synonyms

• friendliness
• friendship

Antonyms

• enmity
• hostility
• enemyship

Related terms

• amiable
• amicable
• amorous

Translations

Further reading

• amity in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.
• amity in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911.
• amity at OneLook Dictionary Search

Anagrams

• atimy