Amical

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈa.mɪkl/

Definitions

1. Relating to a disposition that fosters friendliness and mutual respect, it signifies interactions embracing harmony and good-natured behavior among individuals
2. Characterized by kindness and a spirit of goodwill toward others
3. Indicating a warm and welcoming attitude in social interactions

Etymology: "Amical" is an unusual form to meet in English: it is a borrowing from French rather than a word that grew up in English alongside "amicable" and "friendly." It comes from Middle French "amical," itself drawn from the Latin "amīcālis," meaning "of a friend" or "friendly," which in turn rests on "amīcus," the Latin word for friend. That same root sits behind a family of English words, from "amiable" to "amity," all built on the idea of a friendly attachment between people. The English record for "amical" is thin compared with its cousins, so the word has mostly stayed a learned, somewhat literary choice. Its meaning, characterized by kindness and goodwill toward others, follows the Latin sense closely, with the emphasis on the warm, companionable disposition a friend would show.

Synonyms: friendly, cordial, sociable, affable, genial

Antonyms: hostile, unfriendly, antagonistic, cold, distant