What is the Difference Between Amiable and Amicable?

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The difference between "amiable" and "amicable" lies in their usage and meaning:

  • Amiable: This term refers to an individual person's friendly disposition or someone who is sociable or agreeable. It can also be used to describe things with a pleasing quality. For example, "She was an amiable hostess capable of smoothing over even the most awkward interaction".
  • Amicable: This term is usually used to describe relations or interactions between people or groups that are civil or peaceable. It can also refer to things like relations, interactions, or situations. For example, "The meeting between union and management was quite amicable, much to our surprise".

In summary, "amiable" is used to describe a person's friendly or sociable nature, while "amicable" refers to friendly or peaceable relations between people or groups, or to describe situations or interactions.

Comparative Table: Amiable vs Amicable

The difference between "amiable" and "amicable" lies in their usage and context:

Amiable Amicable
Refers to a person's friendly or sociable disposition Refers to friendliness or goodwill between people or groups
Describes a person who is friendly, sociable, or congenial Describes relationships, interactions, or situations that are civil and display goodwill
Examples: amiable host, amiable neighbor Examples: amicable negotiations, amicable discussions, amicable relations

In summary, "amiable" is used to describe an individual's friendly nature, while "amicable" refers to the friendly or goodwill relationships between people or groups.