Amicable Divorce
/ˈæm.ɪ.kə.bəl dɪˈvɔːrs/noun
A divorce concluded cooperatively, with the spouses agreeing on major issues such as property, finances, and child arrangements.
Did you know?“Divorce” comes from Latin roots meaning “to turn apart,” while “amicable” comes from the Latin word for “friend,” making the phrase a linguistic contrast between separation and goodwill.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*am-
“To love or be emotionally connected; the proposed ancient root behind Latin amāre and related terms.”
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*wert-
“To turn or turn around; the ancient root underlying Latin vertĕre, “to turn.””
Classical Latin
Latin
amīcus / amīcābilis
“Friend / friendly, capable of friendship.”
Classical Latin
Latin
dīvortium
“A separation or dissolution of marriage, from dīvortere, “to turn apart.””
12th–14th Century
Old French
amiable / divorce
“Friendly or agreeable / legal separation or dissolution of marriage.”
15th Century
English
amicable divorce
“A divorce arranged by mutual agreement and without hostility.”
Modern English
English
amicable divorce
“A cooperative, non-contentious ending of a marriage.”