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amenity

[uh-men-i-tee, uh-mee-ni-]
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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.
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Origin of amenity

1400–50; late Middle English amenite < Anglo-French < Latin amoenitās, equivalent to amoen(us) pleasing + -itās -ity
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for amenity

Historical Examples

  • It was commercial amenity, but I had been a stranger to amenity in that connection.

    'Twixt Land &amp; Sea

    Joseph Conrad

  • The form of amenity expected from her, in relation to her brother, was not exhibited.

  • Every one has some amenity—some sweeter, gentler spot in the character.

  • Mr. Burnet describes him as remarkable for amenity as for probity and learning.

    Haunted London

    Walter Thornbury

  • She greeted Lothair with calmness but amenity, and took his offered arm.

    Lothair

    Benjamin Disraeli

British Dictionary definitions for amenity

amenity

noun plural -ties
  1. (often plural) a useful or pleasant facility or servicea 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
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Word Origin

C14: from Latin amoenitās pleasantness, from amoenus agreeable
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for amenity

n.

late 14c., "quality of being pleasant or agreeable," from Old French amenite, from Latin amoenitatem (nominative amoenitas) "delightfulness, pleasantness," from amoenus "pleasant," perhaps related to amare "to love" (see Amy).

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper