amiable

amicable, friendly

adjective a-mee-AH-bluh Rare

Origin: from Latin amicabilis, friendly

Usage Note

Amiable is most common in the legal phrase à l'amiable (out of court, by mutual agreement), as in 'régler un litige à l'amiable' (to settle a dispute amicably). Used as a standalone adjective meaning 'friendly', it is somewhat formal or literary; everyday French prefers aimable or sympathique for a pleasant person.

Examples

"Ils ont réglé le litige à l'amiable."

Natural Translation

They settled the dispute amicably.

Literal Translation

They settled the dispute in-the-amicable.

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