amenity
UK: əˈmiːnəti | US: əˈmɛnəti
n. a desirable or useful feature or facility (e.g., of a place)
n. the quality of being pleasant or agreeable
amenity = amen<pleasant> + ity<noun suffix>
- amen<pleasant>: From Latin amoenus (pleasant, delightful), originally describing agreeable natural surroundings.
- ity<noun suffix>: A suffix forming abstract nouns denoting state or condition (e.g., "clarity," "unity").
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin amoenitas (pleasantness), derived from amoenus, which described idyllic landscapes. Over time, it evolved in Old French as amenité before entering English in the 14th century, initially referring to the pleasantness of nature. By the 1600s, it expanded to denote comforts or conveniences in human-made environments (e.g., urban amenities).
The hotel’s amenities include a pool and free breakfast.
Parks add to the amenity of city life.
The coastal town’s natural amenity attracts tourists.
Modern apartments often highlight smart home amenities.
Public transportation is a vital urban amenity.