4 syllables: A, mi, ca, ble. Stress on A.
AM-ik-uh-buhl
/ˈæmɪkəbəl/
Amicable is pronounced AM-ik-uh-buhl (/ˈæmɪkəbəl/). It has four syllables (A-mi-ca-ble), with the stress on "A". Amicable is an adjective describing a friendly, peaceable disposition or relationship, typically characterized by goodwill and cooperative conduct. It denotes a courteous, non-confrontational approach that aims to resolve differences amicably, often in social or professional contexts. The term emphasizes harmonious interaction rather than hostility or contention.
nounAmicable is an adjective describing a friendly, peaceable disposition or relationship, typically characterized by goodwill and cooperative conduct. It denotes a courteous, non-confrontational approach that aims to resolve differences amicably, often in social or professional contexts. The term emphasizes harmonious interaction rather than hostility or contention.
How to Pronounce Amicable
"The two neighbors reached an amicable settlement after the dispute."
"Her amicable tone helped de-escalate the tense meeting."
"They maintained an amicable relationship even after the merger."
Say AM-i-ca-ble with the primary stress on the first syllable. Phonetically: /ˈæm.ɪ.kə.bəl/. The middle vowel is a short /ɪ/ as in 'kit', and the final syllable is a light /bəl/ rather than a strong ‘ble.’ Keep the /m/ clearly closed with the lips, and the /k/ after /ɪ/ forms a crisp stop. You can listen to native pronunciation on Pronounce or Forvo and mimic the rhythm: strong first beat, quick unstressed following syllables.
Common errors: (1) Overpronouncing the final -ble as a stressed syllable; keep it light: /-bəl/. (2) Running /æ/ and /æm/ together; ensure clear onset on /æm/. (3) Mispronouncing /ɪ/ as a long /i/ like 'amee-ca-ble'; use a short /ɪ/ as in 'kit'. Correct by isolating each consonant cluster and practicing tiny chunks: /æm-ɪ-kə-bəl/ with gentle, quick transitions.
US: /ˈæm.ɪ.kə.bəl/ with a crisp /æ/ and rhotic influence minimal in vowel quality. UK: /ˈæm.ɪ.kə.bəl/ with non-rhotic tendency; the /r/ is not pronounced after vowels, but in this word there’s no /r/. AU: similar to US but vowels can be broader; /ˈæm.ɪ.kə.bəl/ with slightly flatter /ə/ and quicker vowel transitions. Across all, the first syllable remains stressed; the main difference lies in subtle vowel length and the degree of rhoticity.
It blends 4 syllables with a light, unstressed ending. The /ɪ/ must be distinct from /i:/; the /k/ must be a clean stop before the /ə/ and /bəl/. Many speakers misplace stress or slur the -ble into /-bul/ or /-bl/. Also, people sometimes misinterpret as 'amicable' with an elongated middle vowel. Focus on the short, precise /ɪ/ and keep /k/ crisp to avoid a lazy 'ka' blend.
A unique aspect is the sequence /mɪ.kə/ where the middle /ɪ/ and schwa-like /ə/ co-occur quickly before the final /bəl/. It’s easy to soften the /k/ or fold /ə/ into adjacent syllables when speaking fast. The stress pattern AB- i - ca - ble is straightforward, but achieving even tempo across four syllables requires deliberate pacing and vowel clarity, especially in connected speech.
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Amicable comes from the Latin amicabilis, meaning ‘friendly, loving.’ It derives from amicus, “friend,” with the suffix -abilis, meaning ‘able to be’ or ‘worthy of.’ The journey into English passed through Old French amicable (14th c.), preserving a sense of friendship and agreeableness. The root am- (friend) mirrors related words such as amity and amicus. Over time, amicable broadened from describing personal relationships to characterize non-hostile concessions and settlements, often used in legal or diplomatic language (e.g., amicable settlement). The word retained a formal, courteous tone, which influenced its usage in modern business, diplomacy, and interpersonal discussions. First known uses in English appear in the 14th–15th centuries, but the sense of “friendly” predates standardized spelling, reflecting longer Latin and French scholarly and legal traditions that valued amicability in dealings and disputes.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Amicable" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "Amicable"
-ble sounds
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