affable

IPA/ˈæfəbl/
KK[ˈæfəbəl]IPA/ˈæfəbl/

affable — adjective

  • affablepositive
  • more affablecomparative
  • most affablesuperlative

1. friendly and open, so talking with them feels easy and relaxed

1.adjectiveC1
Definition

friendly and open, so talking with them feels easy and relaxed

Example

Hari stayed affable with nervous parents during the school tour.

be affable with + people

At dinner, Eri's affable manner put the new intern at ease.

collocation: affable manner

Common collocations
  • affable host
  • affable manner
  • affable smile
  • affable tone
Synonyms
  • friendly

    broader and more common in everyday English

  • approachable

    emphasizes that people feel comfortable starting a conversation

  • genial

    warmer and slightly more literary than affable

Antonyms
  • aloof

    suggests emotional distance or coolness

  • unfriendly

    the general opposite for behavior that feels cold or harsh

Grammar Patterns

an affable host

be affable with guests

Usage Note

Common for people whose social manner quickly puts visitors, customers, or strangers at ease.

Common Mistakes

The sofa is affable.
The sofa is comfortable.
affable describes a person's manner, not how a thing feels.

Etymology

First known use

15th century

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1