Chapter 2 Word Choice
93
amiable/amicable, angry at/angry with
Are you "amiable" today?
If so, that means you're friendly and good-natured.
v
Ellen's cheerful personality makes her an AMIABLE manager.
"Amicable," though it, too, means friendly, is used to talk about
relationships.
v
What began as a tension-filled meeting between news managers
and the sales department ended AMICABLY.
And while we're on the subject of tension, let's take a look at when to
use "angry at" and when to use "angry with."
Use "angry at" with things.
v
He was so ANGRY AT his computer he slammed his fist down
on the keyboard.
With people, use "angry with."
v
Everyone was ANGRY WITH the engineer in master control for
falling asleep on the job.
Mr. B used to get ANGRY AT at his computer all the time.
Mrs. B and The Puss would think the loud outbursts from his office
meant Mr. B was ANGRY WITH them.
Now that he has a new computer, Mr. B is much more AMIABLE.
And the relationship between Mr. B and Mrs. B (not to mention The
Puss) is more AMICABLE.
