Radicals: am- and amic-.
1. a'miable: am(i) + able = fit to be loved.
OBS.—The Latin adjective is amabilis, from which the English derivative adjective would be amable; but it has taken the form amiable.
2. am'ity: am + ity = the state of being a friend: hence, friendship; good-will.
3. am'icable: amic + able = disposed to be a friend: hence, friendly; peaceable.
4. inim'ical: through Lat. adj. inimi'cus, enemy: hence, inimic(us) + al = inimical, relating to an enemy.
5. amateur': adopted through French amateur, from Latin amator, a lover: hence, one who cultivates an art from taste or attachment, without pursuing it professionally.
EXERCISE.
(1). What word is a synonym of "amiable"? Ans. Lovable.—Show how they are exact synonyms.--Write a sentence containing the word "amiable." MODEL: "The amiable qualities of Joseph Warren caused his death to be deeply regretted by all Americans."—What noun can you form from "amiable," meaning the quality of being amiable?—What is the negative of "amiable"? Ans. Unamiable.—The contrary? Ans. Hateful.
(2.) Give a word that is nearly a synonym of "amity." Ans. Friendship.—State the distinction between these words. Ans. "Friendship" applies more particularly to individuals; "amity" to societies or nations.—Write a sentence containing the word "amity." MODEL: "The Plymouth colonists in 1621 made a treaty of amity with the Indians."—What is the opposite of "amity"?