SKIP TO CONTENT

affable

/ˈæfəbəl/
/ˈæfəbəl/
IPA guide

Other forms: affablest

Affable means friendly, pleasant, and easy to talk to. An affable host offers you something to drink and makes you feel at home.

The adjective affable entered English by way of the Latin word affābilis, which means "kind, friendly." If you’re stuck on an airplane next to someone affable, the trip won’t be so bad because that person will be easy to chat with but won’t talk your ear off. Synonyms of affable also refer to a pleasant and mild friendliness, such as genial, hospitable, and gracious. Affable people generally seem like they’re in a good mood and are happy to see you.

Definitions of affable
  1. adjective
    diffusing warmth and friendliness
    “an affable smile”
    synonyms: amiable, cordial, genial
    friendly
    characteristic of or befitting a friend
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘affable'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family