different between amicable vs charming

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

From Middle English charmyng; equivalent to charm +? -ing.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /?t???(?).m??/
• Rhymes: -??(r)m??

Adjective

charming (comparative charminger or more charming, superlative (nonstandard) charmest or charmingest or most charming)

1. Pleasant, charismatic.

   Synonyms: charismatic, smart, witty

   Antonyms: dull, charmless
2. Delightful in a playful way which avoids responsibility or seriousness, as if attracting through a magical charm.

   Antonyms: silly, charmless

Translations

Verb

charming

1. present participle of charm

Noun

charming (plural charmings)

1. The casting of a magical charm.
   • 1616, Thomas Middleton, The Witch

     They denied me often flour, barm and milk, / Goose-grease and tar, when I ne'er hurt their charmings, / Their brewlocks, nor their batches, nor forespoke / Any of their breedings.

Anagrams

• marching