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

It was futuristic in a weird way — this was a choice, someone wanted to have this option, this kind of amenity, which I thought was really incredible.

From Los Angeles Times

But as a meaningful attempt to build dignified affordable housing — an amenity severely lacking in Riverside County — it’s unclear whether Palm Springs will feel the full weight of its new aluminum box.

From Los Angeles Times

It is a sign that in an expensive city, the most important school amenity for some parents might not be a state-of-the-art science lab or a media studio, but affordable child care.

From Seattle Times

According to Hutchinson, the business maintained a strong relationship with the city until May of 2020, when the building was vandalized and the parking garage — formerly an amenity on the MAX light rail line halfway between the Portland Blazers arena and the Timbers and Thorns stadium — became a dangerous place for employees and customers.

From Seattle Times

This public amenity must be as accessible as possible to all.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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