amiable
Adjective
Medium difficulty
What does “amiable” mean?
adjective.having or displaying a friendly and pleasant manner.
SAT Usage
This term often appears in passages related to social interactions, character descriptions, or personal relationships. It emphasizes a warm, approachable demeanor, suggesting not just friendliness but also an inherent likability, distinguishing it from similar terms like "cordial," which may imply politeness without the same warmth.
Common Confusions
Amiable implies a warm and friendly demeanor, while cordial usually suggests courteousness that may lack the same level of warmth and personal connection.
Example Sentences
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The new teacher had an amiable manner that students loved.
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Her amiable manner put everyone at ease.
Word Parts: How to Remember “amiable”
Break “amiable” into its parts: ambi- (both, around). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.
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Prefix:
ambi-both, around (Latin)