amity
AM-ih-tee
/ˈæm.ə.ti/
A friendly relationship, especially between nations.
Amity is a very formal word for friendship, almost always used in the context of international relations or large groups.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'amicitia', derived from 'amicus' (friend). It shares the same root as 'amiable' (friendly) and 'amicable' (peaceable).
Word relationships
- accord: Accord is the agreement; amity is the friendly state of the relationship itself.
- enmity: Enmity is a state of deep-seated ill will or hostility, the direct opposite of amity.
Commonly confused with
- amenity: An amenity is a desirable or useful feature of a building or place; amity is a friendly relationship.
Collocations
- spirit of amity
- treaty of amity
- live in amity
Example sentences
- "The Jay Treaty was officially titled the Treaty of Amity, Commerce, and Navigation." History
- "The two nations have lived in amity for over a century, sharing a long and peaceful border." Diplomacy
Memory hook
Amity sounds like 'ami' (French for friend). Friendship on a grand scale.
When not to use
Do not use to describe your relationship with your best friend; use 'friendship' instead.
Fun facts
- Amity Island is the fictional setting of the movie 'Jaws'—an ironic name considering the lack of 'amity' between the shark and the swimmers.
Related words
Also appears in
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