Let’s continue with Word Knots, where we discuss common instances of words and phrases that are often confused or misused. In this installment we cover two words that are somewhat similar, but are often used interchangeably, which is incorrect.

Once again our source for this is installment is The Dictionary of Disagreeable English by Robert Hartwell Fiske (Chicago: Writer’s Digest Books). It’s a great book: Check it out.

Rather than take a stern ‘grammar police’ approach we always try to keep it light and in each installment point out examples of semantic confusion that should be considered “must to avoid.”

From Fiske (excerpted):

amiable

Misused for amicable.  

As Fiske says:

Amiable means friendly; cordial; likeable. Amicable means showing goodwill or friendliness. Amiable is generally used to describe people; amicable to describe occurrences, situations, or the relationships between people.

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Let’s look at the most relevant Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary definitions (excerpted):

amiable

adjective

1 a: friendly, sociable, and congenial

   b: generally agreeable : devoid of anything contentious or offensive : good-natured and well-intentioned

amicable

: characterized by friendship and goodwill : not hostile or quarrelsome

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The distinctions as defined by Fiske are very useful in this case: Use amiable for people and use amicable for situations, including relationships.

Examples: 

The new boss was well-liked by all and was considered a very amiable type of guy.

Despite the volatility of the situation, the couple remained amicable after their divorce.

Once again, details are critical, which is why checking your work is an important step toward ensuring that your intended meaning is clear.

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