Agreeable vs. Amenable: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Harlon Moss || Published on November 30, 2023
Agreeable implies pleasantness or likability, while amenable means willing to agree or accept suggestions.
Key Differences
"Agreeable" typically describes something or someone that is pleasant, enjoyable, or likable in nature. When something is agreeable, it is generally pleasing to the senses or to one's preferences. For example, "The weather is agreeable for a picnic," suggests that the weather is pleasant. "Amenable," on the other hand, refers to a person's readiness to accept suggestions or a willingness to cooperate. It carries a connotation of being responsive to advice or agreeable to a course of action, such as, "She was amenable to the changes suggested by her coach."
While "agreeable" may refer to the characteristics that make a person likable or easy to get along with, it can also relate to situations, environments, or things that are conducive to comfort or enjoyment. An "agreeable personality" means a person is pleasant to be around. Conversely, being "amenable" doesn't necessarily mean that someone is pleasant or enjoyable, but rather compliant or submissive to another's wishes. It often suggests a degree of flexibility or openness, as in, "The contractor was amenable to our design ideas."
When considering agreements or negotiations, "agreeable" can imply that the terms are acceptable and pleasing to the parties involved. It denotes that an agreement or situation meets the approval of the people concerned. "Amenable," in this context, would focus on the disposition of the people involved to be agreeable to negotiation or compromise, rather than the characteristics of the agreement itself. A person might not find a proposal agreeable but could still be amenable to discussing it further.
In essence, "agreeable" connects with the intrinsic qualities that bring about approval or pleasure, while "amenable" aligns with a behavior or attitude of willingness to respond affirmatively to others. It's the difference between being inherently pleasing ("agreeable") and being open to persuasion or guidance ("amenable"). To illustrate, an agreeable flavor is one that tastes good, while an amenable individual is someone open to trying new flavors.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Pleasant, likable
Willing to agree, cooperative
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Usage Context
Describing pleasantness
Indicating willingness
Connotation
Enjoyment, satisfaction
Openness, compliance
Relation
Attribute of things or personality
Attitude towards suggestions or authority
Examples
"She is an agreeable companion."
"He is amenable to our plan."
Agreeable and Amenable Definitions
Agreeable
Pleasing in nature.
The room had an agreeable warmth.
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Amenable
Willing to follow advice or authority.
The new recruit is amenable to instructions.
Agreeable
Acceptable or satisfactory.
The terms were agreeable to everyone involved.
Amenable
Capable of being acted upon in a particular way.
The data was amenable to analysis.
Agreeable
Conducive to comfort.
We had an agreeable conversation over dinner.
Amenable
Open and responsive to suggestion.
He was amenable to the idea of change.
Agreeable
Ready to consent or approve.
She is always agreeable to my suggestions.
Amenable
Legally obligable to be brought before a court.
The corporation is amenable to jurisdiction in this district.
Agreeable
Pleasantly suitable.
The climate here is agreeable for gardening.
Amenable
Susceptible to.
The disease was amenable to the new treatment.
Agreeable
To one's liking; pleasing
Agreeable weather.
Amenable
Willing to accept a suggestion or submit to authority
"a class that is all the more amenable to control for living perpetually under the threat of deportation" (Amitav Ghosh).
Agreeable
Suitable; conformable
A practice agreeable to the law.
Amenable
Ready to consent; agreeable
Are you amenable to a change in schedule?.
FAQs
Is "amenable" used to describe objects?
Rarely, it usually describes people's responses.
How do you use "agreeable" in a sentence?
"The weather is quite agreeable today."
Can "agreeable" describe a person?
Yes, meaning pleasant or likable.
What does "amenable" mean?
Willing to agree or accept suggestions.
How is "amenable" commonly used?
To describe someone cooperative or open to ideas.
What makes someone "amenable"?
A disposition to be cooperative or compliant.
What's the opposite of "agreeable"?
Disagreeable or unpleasant.
Does "amenable" relate to law?
Yes, in the sense of being accountable to legal authority.
Are "agreeable" and "amenable" interchangeable?
No, they have different nuances.
Can a situation be "amenable"?
Not typically, the word usually refers to people.
What does "agreeable" mean?
Pleasant or pleasing to the senses.
What's the antonym of "amenable"?
Uncooperative or intractable.
What's an "agreeable" flavor?
A taste that is generally liked or enjoyed.
What is an "agreeable" outcome?
A result that is satisfactory or pleasing.
Is "agreeable" a feeling?
It can describe a feeling of pleasure or contentment.
How does "amenable" relate to leadership?
Leaders often prefer team members who are amenable to direction.
Can a compromise be "agreeable"?
Yes, if it's acceptable to all parties.
What's an example of being "amenable" at work?
Being open to your boss's feedback.
Can "agreeable" refer to an agreement?
Yes, as in a contract that is satisfactory.
Would an "amenable" person argue a lot?
Typically not, as they're usually open to others' ideas.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
