affable

American  

[af-uh-buhl] / ˈæf ə bəl /

adjective

1. pleasantly easy to approach and to talk to; friendly; cordial; warmly polite.

   an affable and courteous gentleman.

   Synonyms:

   sociable, gracious, genial, approachable, amiable, accessible

   Antonyms:

   standoffish, distant, inaccessible, unapproachable, unsociable, unfriendly

2. showing warmth and friendliness; benign; pleasant.

   an affable smile.

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affable British  

/ ˈæfəbəl /

adjective

1. showing warmth and friendliness; kindly; mild; benign

2. easy to converse with; approachable; amicable

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Related Words

See civil.

Other Word Forms

• affability noun
• affableness noun
• affably adverb
• unaffable adjective
• unaffably adverb

Etymology

Origin of affable

First recorded in 1530–40; from Latin affābilis “that can be spoken to, courteous,” equivalent to af- af- + fā- “speak” ( fate ) + -bilis -ble, perhaps via Middle French

Example Sentences

Aspiring to emulate a talkshow host who has a reputation for being affable rather than for setting pulses racing is perhaps an unusual ambition for a gaming studio.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

But as affable as this group seems, they aren’t considering anyone but themselves.

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

Hinds, meanwhile, masterfully shows an affable partner’s emotional immobility.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 20, 2026

According to the affable 38-year-old, ultra-violent or supernatural stories -- from Netflix's "Stranger Things" to gaming favourite "Resident Evil" -- work as a sort of pressure valve.

From Barron's • Feb. 19, 2026

Bast’s normally affable expression sharpened into a glare.

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss

Related Words

• amiable
• approachable
• courteous
• genial
• gentle
• good-humored
• good-natured
• gracious
• pleasant
• polite
• sociable
• urbane