amity
AM-ih-tee
/ˈæməti/
A state of friendship and peace, especially between countries or large groups.
Usually applied to macro-level relationships, such as international treaties, community relations, or formal agreements, rather than intimate personal friendships.
The story behind the word. Amity comes from the Old French 'amiste', which derives from the Vulgar Latin 'amicitatem', ultimately stemming from 'amicus' (friend) and 'amare' (to love). It has historically been used in legal and diplomatic documents to declare that two parties are no longer at war, but are instead bound by friendly relations.
Word relationships
- harmony: Harmony refers to general agreement or peace, while amity specifically emphasizes a friendly, cooperative relationship.
- concord: Concord is agreement or harmony between people or groups, often with a legal or formal tone, whereas amity is warmer and more focused on friendship.
- hostility: Hostility is active opposition or conflict, directly opposing the peaceful friendship of amity.
- enmity: Enmity is a state of deep-seated, active ill will or hatred, the direct etymological and semantic opposite of amity.
Commonly confused with
- amenity: An amenity is a desirable or useful feature of a building or place (like a pool or gym), whereas amity is a state of friendly relations.
Word family
- amicable (adjective): Characterized by friendliness and absence of discord (often used of agreements or divorces).
Collocations
- international amity
- spirit of amity
- live in amity
- foster amity
Example sentences
- "The treaty was designed to foster amity and trade between the two former adversaries." A historical text discussing international relations after a major war.
- "The festival served as a shining example of interfaith amity and mutual respect." A report on community relations in a diverse city.
Memory hook
Think of the 'Amity' in the famous 'Amityville Horror'—but reverse it! True amity is the peaceful, friendly vibe you actually want in a neighborhood. Amity means friendly unity.
When not to use
Do not use to describe a casual hang-out with friends or a tight-knit group of buddies.
Fun facts
- Amity Island is the fictional setting of the movie 'Jaws'—an ironic name given the terror that disrupts the town's peaceful amity.
Also appears in
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