amenity

[ uh-men-i-tee, uh-mee-ni- ]

noun

, plural a·men·i·ties.

1. an agreeable way or manner; courtesy; civility:

   the graceful amenities of society.

2. any feature that provides comfort, convenience, or pleasure:

   The house has a swimming pool, two fireplaces, and other amenities.

3. the quality of being pleasing or agreeable in situation, prospect, disposition, etc.; pleasantness:

   the amenity of the Caribbean climate.

4. amenities, lavatory; bathroom: used as a euphemism.

amenity

/ əˈmiːnɪtɪ /

noun

1. often plural a useful or pleasant facility or service

   a swimming pool was just one of the amenities

2. the fact or condition of being pleasant or agreeable
3. usually plural a social courtesy or pleasantry

Word History and Origins

Origin of amenity¹

1400–50; late Middle English amenite < Anglo-French < Latin amoenitās, equivalent to amoen ( us ) pleasing + -itās -ity

Word History and Origins

Origin of amenity¹

C14: from Latin amoenitās pleasantness, from amoenus agreeable

Example Sentences

The single best amenity at the Sheremetyevo airport, say the reviewers, is the free Wi-Fi.

From The Daily Beast

Moreover the district in itself possesses great fertility and amenity.

From Project Gutenberg

It has nothing of the amenity and elegance which we generally find in the superstitions of Greece.

From Project Gutenberg

Let us all hasten to bless the banns between steel-edged truth and perfect amenity.

From Project Gutenberg

Irreconcileable to the principles of their government, I am delighted with the amenity and gentleness of their manners.

From Project Gutenberg

The north side of the mountain does not indicate a spot remarkable either for amenity or fertility.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• comfort
• convenience
• enhancement
• facility
• improvement
• luxury
• quality