Amenities
/əˈmiːnətiz/noun
Features or services that make a place comfortable, convenient, or enjoyable.
Did you know?The word entered English through French and ultimately comes from Latin amoenus, meaning pleasant, delightful, or charming—a rare etymology centered on cultivated pleasure rather than necessity.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Latin
Latin
amoenus
“Pleasant, delightful, charming, or agreeable”
Classical Latin
Latin
amoenitas
“Pleasantness, beauty, or the quality of being delightful”
Medieval Latin
Latin
amenitas
“Pleasantness or agreeable quality; a later form influenced by French spelling and pronunciation”
14th Century
Old French
amenité
“Pleasantness, charm, or agreeable quality”
15th Century
English
amenity
“Pleasantness or agreeableness; later, a useful or attractive feature”
Modern English
English
amenities
“Comforts, facilities, or services provided for convenience and enjoyment”
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