What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
amiable
Example
She had an amiable personality that made everyone feel comfortable around her. [amiable: adjective]
Example
The amiable conversation at the party made it a memorable evening. [amiable: noun]
cordial
Example
He greeted us with a cordial smile and handshake. [cordial: adjective]
Example
The meeting ended on a cordial note, with both parties expressing mutual respect. [cordial: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Amiable and cordial are both relatively common words in English, but amiable is slightly less common than cordial.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between amiable and cordial?
Cordial is slightly more formal than amiable, and may be used in professional or business settings. However, both words are generally considered polite and appropriate for most situations.