Character and conduct

amiable

AY-mee-uh-bul · adjective

Friendly, pleasant, and easy to like.

A friendly guide asking whether he can help, a mnemonic for amiable

Memory connection

Picture “am I able?

A smiling guide asks, ‘Am I able to help?’ and welcomes every traveler with patient, friendly attention.

The sound cue helps you reach the scene; the action in the scene carries you from the scene to the definition.

Use it accurately

Meaning in context

The amiable host introduced guests who might otherwise have been too shy to speak.
Despite the long delay, the station attendant remained calm and amiable.

Amiable usually describes a person, manner, or conversation that feels naturally friendly and agreeable.

Common patterns

  • an amiable manner
  • amiable conversation
  • perfectly amiable

Quick check

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Who sounds amiable?

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