These two adjectives are almost the same in meaning but are used a little differently; both words can be translated as “friendly” but, while amiable usually describes a person’s personality, amicable usually does not:
Visitors say people in New Orleans are especially amiable and easy to make friends with.
We made an amicable agreement to take turns washing the dishes.
In the cases above, it would be strange to use the other word in place of the one shown. However, amiable can be used for things that have personalities, other than people:
You could say that New Orleans is an amiable city; it is easy to fall in love with.
And amicable can also describe people, but it doesn’t mean exactly the same thing as amiable; while an amiable person must have a friendly personality, an amicable person does not necessarily radiate friendliness, but is easy to get along with:
He wasn’t exactly amiable, because he was depressed, but he was always amicable, compromising whenever necessary to keep the peace.
You don’t need to worry; native speakers have a hard time telling the difference between these two words. However, it may help you to know that ami-able means “love-able” while amic-able means “friendship-able”, which is essentially the difference.
How to Use "Amiable" in a Sentence
- Jim and I had a very amiable conversation about our favorite food—we had more in common that we realized.
- I was happy to be teaching such an amiable class of students.
- Bennet likes being around amiable people.
- Amiable people are easy to be around and generally make good friends.
- Kate is very amiable, always reaching out to help others in need.
- The amiable service was the best part of the evening—I will definitely be going back to that restaurant!
- The amiable waiter was amicable to the happy customer.
- The amiable person who acts too polite all the time is often harder to deal with than the person who does not care about politeness but is quick with honesty.
- He came to be known as the Amiable Tyrant because he was a master of charm.
- Amiable relationships are important to maintaining good health.
- It is difficult to maintain amiable relationships with people who are negative.
How to Use "Amicable" in a Sentence
- Amicable negotiations averted a war.
- The amicable divorce agreement was signed by the two parties.
- The amicable divorce allowed them to remain friends.
- The two countries agreed to be amicable neighbors, despite their different ideologies.
- They are always amicable with each other, even when they're fighting!
- They decided to go their separate ways amicably.
- I am willing to agree on an amicable settlement of this custody dispute.