Amicability Meaning: Definition and Examples

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amicability

[ˌeɪmɪkəˈbɪləti ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in social interactions

The quality of being pleasant and friendly; friendliness.

Synonyms

affability, cordiality, friendliness, sociability.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
amicability

Amicability refers to the quality of being friendly and pleasant. This term is often used in formal or professional settings to describe relationships or negotiations that are carried out in a friendly manner.

  • The team was impressed by the amicability of the negotiation process
  • Their amicability helped in resolving the conflict quickly
friendliness

Friendliness is a general term for the quality of being kind and pleasant. It can be used in a wide range of contexts, both formal and informal, to describe a person’s or a group’s approach.

  • Everyone appreciated his friendliness at the workplace
  • Her friendliness makes her a great team player
affability

Affability is used to describe someone who is easy to talk to and approachable. It is often used in social contexts to highlight a person's warmth and friendliness.

  • Her affability made her popular at social gatherings
  • The professor's affability encourages students to participate in class discussions
sociability

Sociability refers to the quality of being social and enjoying the company of others. It is often used to describe someone who actively seeks out social interactions and enjoys socializing.

  • His sociability makes him a perfect fit for the position of event coordinator
  • The community center encourages sociability among its members through various events
cordiality

Cordiality refers to warmth and sincerity in behavior. It is often used to describe interactions that are genuinely friendly and heartfelt, usually in formal or semi-formal settings.

  • The meeting was conducted with great cordiality between the two parties
  • She greeted her guests with cordiality that made them feel at home

Examples of usage

  • He was known for his amicability and willingness to help others.
  • Her amicability made everyone feel welcome in her home.
Context #2 | Noun

in diplomatic relations

The quality of having a good relationship, especially between countries or organizations.

Synonyms

cooperation, cordiality, friendship, harmony.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
amicability

Amicability is often used to describe friendly interactions, especially in a formal or professional setting. It's about having a pleasant and cooperative attitude without necessarily being close friends.

  • The amicability between the two teams improved after the joint project.
  • Their amicability made the negotiations much smoother.

Examples of usage

  • The amicability between the two nations led to successful negotiations.
  • Diplomatic efforts were made to maintain amicability among the allied countries.

Interesting Facts

Social Psychology

  • Research shows that amicable interactions can lead to better cooperation and teamwork.
  • Being amicable can reduce stress and improve your overall mental health.
  • Positive social interactions are associated with longevity and happiness.

Conflict Resolution

  • In negotiations, amicability is crucial for reaching mutually beneficial agreements.
  • Amicable environments are often linked to higher productivity in workplaces.
  • Mediators emphasize amicability when resolving disputes to ensure both parties feel respected.

Culture

  • Many cultures value amicable relationships; for instance, the concept of 'Ubuntu' in African cultures emphasizes togetherness and friendliness.
  • In Japan, the term 'wa' represents harmony, highlighting the importance of amicable relations in society.
  • Amicability is often celebrated during festivals and community gatherings, representing unity.

Literature

  • Amicability is a common theme in classic literature, symbolizing key relationships between characters, such as friendships in novels.
  • Authors often use amicable interactions to drive the plot forward or resolve conflicts.
  • In poetry, amicability can symbolize peace and harmony within communities.

Origin of 'amicability'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Latin 'amicabilis', meaning 'friendly'.
  • It’s related to 'amicus', which means 'friend' in Latin, showing the connection to kindness.
  • The prefix 'ami-' in many languages means friend, like 'amigo' in Spanish.

The word 'amicability' comes from the Latin word 'amicabilis', which means 'friendly' or 'kind'. The term has been used in English since the early 17th century to describe the quality of being friendly and agreeable in social interactions or diplomatic relations. Over the years, 'amicability' has been associated with fostering positive relationships and promoting harmony among individuals or groups.