Amiably Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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amiably

[ˈeɪ.mi.ə.bli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

in a friendly and pleasant manner

Amiably is an adverb that describes someone who is friendly, pleasant, and easy to get along with. When someone behaves amiably, they are kind, cheerful, and approachable.

Synonyms

affably, cordially, friendly, genially, pleasant.

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Word Description / Examples
amiably

Used to describe someone being friendly and kind in a pleasing manner, typically in social interactions.

  • She amiably greeted her guests as they arrived.
  • The teacher amiably helped the student with the difficult problem.
friendly

Describes someone or something that shows a kind and pleasant disposition, can be used in a variety of social and informal settings.

  • She has a friendly smile that makes everyone feel welcome.
  • The dog wagged its tail in a friendly manner.
pleasant

Describes something enjoyable or satisfactory, often related to experiences, situations, or people.

  • We had a pleasant evening walking by the beach.
  • The weather today is quite pleasant for a picnic.
affably

Describes a person who is easy to talk to and shows warmth and friendliness, often in everyday casual interactions.

  • He affably chatted with his neighbors at the community gathering.
  • The host affably introduced everyone to each other at the party.
cordially

Used when demonstrating sincere affection or kindness, often in a formal or respectful manner.

  • The ambassador shook hands cordially with the foreign minister.
  • They cordially invited us to their wedding ceremony.
genially

Refers to a warm and cheerful manner, often used to describe someone who makes others feel at ease.

  • He genially welcomed the new employees to the team.
  • The store clerk genially assisted customers throughout the day.

Examples of usage

  • She greeted her guests amiably, offering them drinks and snacks.
  • Despite the disagreement, they continued to talk amiably throughout the evening.
  • The neighbors always interacted amiably, sharing stories and laughs.
  • The teacher smiled amiably as she welcomed the new students to the class.
  • Even in stressful situations, he remained amiably calm and collected.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Social Psychology

  • Research shows that being amiable can lead to stronger personal relationships and better teamwork.
  • People who communicate amiably are often perceived as more likable and trustworthy.
  • Amiability can diffuse tense situations, helping to maintain peace and harmony.

Cultural Expressions

  • In literature, characters described as amiable often serve as peacemakers or relatable figures.
  • In various cultures, an amiable disposition is considered essential for good hospitality.
  • Political leaders often employ amiability during speeches to connect emotionally with their audience.

Pop Culture

  • Amiable characters frequently appear in family films, showcasing friendship and kindness.
  • TV shows often highlight amiable friendships to convey important moral lessons.
  • In many songs, amiable behavior is celebrated, reinforcing themes of love, joy, and friendship.

History

  • Historical figures known for their amiability often played crucial roles in diplomacy.
  • During the Enlightenment, amiable behavior was celebrated as part of the ideals of reason and harmony among people.
  • In terms of colonial history, amiable interactions were sometimes used as strategies for peaceful coexistence between different cultures.

Origin of 'amiably'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Latin 'amabilis', meaning 'lovable' or 'friendly'.
  • It passed through Old French, showing how the concept of friendliness spread across cultures.
  • In English, the term evolved to specifically describe someone's manner of behaving towards others.

The word 'amiably' dates back to the mid-17th century, derived from the Latin word 'amicabilis,' meaning 'friendly' or 'amicable.' Over time, the term evolved to encompass a broader sense of friendliness and pleasantness in social interactions. Today, 'amiably' continues to be used to describe individuals who exhibit a kind and approachable demeanor in various situations.


See also: amiability.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,250, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.