amity

See also Amity

English

Etymology

From Old French amitié, from Medieval Latin *amicitas (“friendship”), from Latin amīcus (“friendly, a friend”), from amō (“I love”).

Noun

amity (plural amities)

1. (formal, literary) friendship. The cooperative and supportive relationship between people, or animals. In this sense, the term connotes a relationship which involves mutual knowledge, esteem, affection, and respect along with a degree of rendering service to friends in times of need or crisis.
   • 1922: To my native place / Bent upon returning, / Bosom all day burning / To be where my race / Well were known, 'twas much with me / There to dwell in amity. — Thomas Hardy, 'Welcome Home,' in Lyrics Late and Earlier, 1922
2. Mutual understanding and a peaceful relationship, especially between nations; peace; accord.

Antonyms

• enmity

Related terms

• amiable
• amicable
• amorous

Translations

friendship

Bulgarian: приятелство, разбирателство French: amitié (fr) f.

Portuguese: amizade (pt) f. Spanish: amistad (es) f.

External links

• amity in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
• amity in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911
• amity at OneLook Dictionary Search