- Today's Word
Affable
AF-uh-buhl
Definition
(adjective) Friendly, approachable, and pleasant in manner.
Example
His affable nature made him an instant favorite at every party.
Fun Fact
From Latin affari, meaning “to speak to,” affable describes someone who not only talks to others—but makes them feel comfortable while doing it. It’s frequently used in character profiles, political campaigns, and even performance reviews. Being affable isn’t just about being nice—it’s about being welcoming without trying too hard.
(adjective) Failing to act or resist; passive and yielding, especially when action is urgently needed.
The board’s supine response to the mounting crisis — endless meetings, no decisions, no accountability — allowed a manageable problem to become a catastrophic one.
Supine derives from the Latin supinus, meaning “lying face upward” or “thrown backward,” rooted in the same base as sub- (“under”). It entered English in the 15th century with both its literal meaning — lying flat on one’s back — and its figurative sense of moral or intellectual passivity. The physical image is the etymology: a person flat on their back, facing the sky, unable or unwilling to rise and meet what’s coming.