amicable

English

Etymology

From Middle English amicable (“agreeable; pleasant”), from Late Latin amīcābilis (“friendly”). Doublet of amiable.

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ˈæ.mɪ.kə.bəl/
  • Audio (US):(file)

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.
    • 2026 April 28, Rachel Swan, “SFO and Oakland settle trademark dispute — ‘Oakland San Francisco Bay’ name stays”, in San Francisco Chronicle‎[1], archived from the original on 29 April 2026:
      While the resolution seemed amicable, leaders of San Francisco and Oakland each struck a parrying tone in statements following Tuesday’s announcement.

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”.[1]

Antonyms

Derived terms

Translations

References

  1. ^ The Penguin Wordmaster Dictionary, Martin Manser and Nigel Turton, eds., 1987, cited in “Wordmaster: amiable, amicable”, all songs lead back t' the sea, 23 Oct 2009, by NTWrong

Further reading

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