Amiable vs. Amicable

synographs synonyms synophones

Have you ever given a thought to the differences between 'amiable' and 'amicable'? Do you wanna know where to use each? Well then, join me.

What Is Their Main Difference?

Both of these words refer to the friendly nature of someone/something. However, 'amiable' indicates a friendly and kind person whereas, 'amicable' shows that the environment is friendly.

Differences

As stated above, 'amicable' refers to something being friendly like a conversation, a place, a relationship, etc. Look:

I wish my parents would have an amicable divorce.

It's important to teach children to have an amicable breakup with those they wanna stop their relationships with.

'Amiable', on the other hand, refers to someone's friendly nature. Look at the following examples:

I wish I met someone as amiable and cute as myself.

Amy seemed more amiable than before, when I last saw her.

Similarities

Both of these refer to the friendly state of someone/something. Check out the following examples:

Having an amiable friend is a necessity.

I've started to have an amicable relationship with myself.

Are They Interchangeable?

Although both of these words are used in the same contexts, they _cannot__ be used interchangeably because the listener will get confused. Compare:

✓ Her amiable nature is what astounded me in the first place.

X Her amicable nature is what astounded me in the first place.

We cannot use 'amicable' to talk about someone. It is used to point out a friendly enviroment.

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