What does amicably mean?
Amicably is an adverb meaning 'in a friendly, courteous, and cooperative manner', most often applied to situations where conflict might otherwise be expected: divorces, business break-ups, negotiations, and disputes. To say something was done amicably is to affirm that it was carried out without hostility, rancour, or bitterness — the parties involved remained on good terms despite disagreeing or separating. The word derives from the Latin 'amicus' (friend), via the adjective 'amicable', and shares its root with words like 'amity' and 'amiable'. It carries an unambiguously positive connotation and appears frequently in legal and diplomatic language, where phrases such as 'part ways amicably' or 'settle the matter amicably' signal a resolution achieved through mutual goodwill rather than coercion. Its usefulness lies precisely in this contrast: it names not ordinary friendliness, but friendship preserved under pressure.
adverbIn a friendly, polite, and cooperative manner, especially in situations of disagreement or separation; without hostility or bitterness.
- In a friendly and cooperative manner, without hostility (used chiefly of separations, negotiations, and dispute resolutions).
"After years of partnership, the two founders decided to part ways amicably."
"Despite their differences, the neighbours settled the boundary dispute amicably over a cup of tea."
"The divorce proceedings concluded amicably, with both parties agreeing to share custody."
The word 'amicably' traces back to the Latin 'amicus' — friend — making it one of the few English words whose very root is literally 'friendship'.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of amicably
Amicably originates from the Latin 'amicus', meaning 'friend', which gave rise to the adjective 'amicable' ('friendly, characterized by goodwill'), borrowed into English from medieval Latin usage in the 15th century. The adverb form developed as a derived manner-of-action form of that adjective, appearing by around the early 17th century. Cognates sharing the same Latin root include 'amity' (friendship or peaceful relations) and 'amiable' (lovable or friendly in disposition), all ultimately descending from the same Roman notion of 'amicus'.
Related word forms
How amicably is actually used
A formal-to-neutral word most often heard in legal, diplomatic, and interpersonal contexts involving conflict resolution. It carries a strongly positive connotation, signalling goodwill even where interests diverge. Rarely used for everyday friendliness — it specifically implies that disagreement or parting was handled well.
Easily confused with amicably
'Amiable' is an adjective describing a person who is friendly and pleasant in character, whereas 'amicably' is an adverb describing how an action or resolution is carried out.