First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
affable
adjective af·fa·ble \ˈa-fə-bəl\
: friendly and easy to talk to
Full Definition of AFFABLE
1
: being pleasant and at ease in talking to others <an affable host>
2
: characterized by ease and friendliness <an affable manner>
— af·fa·bil·i·ty \ˌa-fə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun
— af·fa·bly \-blē\ adverb
See affable defined for English-language learners
See affable defined for kids
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Examples of AFFABLE
- Bertie's a bright, affable fellow, but every little success he has feels cheapened in comparison with his dad's overpowering accomplishments. —Lev Grossman, Time, 7 Feb. 2005
- In repose, he can be affable and quite funny. But woe betide anyone who crosses him or who fails to perform to his demanding standards. —Anthony Bianco et al., Business Week, 9 Sept. 2002
- The owner emerged from a galley kitchen … to explain that the restaurant was supposed to be closed. This roly-poly man with graying locks above a noble, high forehead was affable and articulate, not your average short-order cook. —John Krich, San Francisco Examiner, 21 Aug. 1994
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Origin of AFFABLE
Middle English affabyl, from Anglo-French, from Latin affabilis, from affari to speak to, from ad- + fari to speak — more at ban
Related to AFFABLE
- Synonyms
- easygoing, breezy, devil-may-care, happy-go-lucky, laid-back, low-pressure, mellow
- Antonyms
- high-strung, uptight
Synonym Discussion of AFFABLE
gracious, cordial, affable, genial, sociable mean markedly pleasant and easy in social intercourse. gracious implies courtesy and kindly consideration <the gracious award winner thanked her colleagues>. cordial stresses warmth and heartiness <our host was cordial as he greeted us>. affable implies easy approachability and readiness to respond pleasantly to conversation or requests or proposals <though wealthy, she was affable to all>. genial stresses cheerfulness and even joviality <a genial companion with a ready quip>. sociable suggests a genuine liking for the companionship of others <sociable people who enjoy entertaining>.
Rhymes with AFFABLE
AFFABLY Defined for Kids
affable
adjective af·fa·ble \ˈa-fə-bəl\
Definition of AFFABLE for Kids
: friendly and easy to talk to <an affable talk show host>
— af·fa·bly \-blē\ adverb
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