amicable
Adjective
Medium difficulty
What does “amicable” mean?
adjective.characterized by friendliness and absence of discord.
SAT Usage
This term often appears in contexts involving interpersonal relationships, diplomacy, or conflict resolution. It emphasizes a spirit of cooperation and goodwill, suggesting that disputes can be settled without hostility, which differentiates it from words like "cordial" or "genial" that may not specifically highlight the absence of conflict.
Common Confusions
Amicable implies a peaceful resolution without hostility, while cordial usually suggests warmth and friendliness but does not necessarily indicate the absence of conflict.
Example Sentences
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He was an amicable fellow with an easy smile.
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Despite their differences, the two former rivals managed to reach an amicable agreement that satisfied both parties and ended their long feud.
Word Parts: How to Remember “amicable”
Break “amicable” 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)