amiably

Meanings

1. 1adverbnot comparable

   In a friendly, pleasant, and relaxed way.

   Grammar: Describes how someone speaks or acts: chat amiably.

   Patterns

   • chat amiably
   • smile amiably

   The two neighbors chatted amiably over the fence.

   He smiled amiably and shook our hands.

   They argued amiably about whose turn it was to cook.

2. 2adverbnot comparable

   In an easygoing way that agrees without fuss or conflict.

   Grammar: Used with verbs like agree, nod, and reply.

   Patterns

   • agree amiably
   • reply amiably

   She amiably agreed to swap seats.

   "Sure, why not," he answered amiably.

   The two teams parted amiably after the match.

Word forms

Common combinations

chat amiably

They chatted amiably during the long train ride.

smile amiably

The guard smiled amiably at the visitors.

talk amiably

The two rivals talked amiably after the race.

nod amiably

He nodded amiably and let us in.

amiably agree

She amiably agreed to help.

Synonyms and how they differ

genially

Genially suggests warm cheerfulness, which is a little more outgoing than amiably.

affably

Affably stresses easy politeness in speaking to others and is slightly more formal.

cordially

Cordially suggests formal warmth, as in a greeting, while amiably is more casual.

pleasantly

Pleasantly is a plain word for being nice, with less sense of sociable goodwill.

Opposites

Word family

amiable adjective

friendly and easy to get along with

amiability noun

the quality of being friendly

amicable adjective

peaceful and friendly, especially after a disagreement

amicably adverb

in a friendly, peaceful way

Commonly confused: amiably or amicably?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “amiably”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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