Affable, a.
Etymology: [F. affable, L. affabilis, fr. affari to speak to; ad + fari to speak. See Fable.]
1. Easy to be spoken to or addressed; receiving others kindly and conversing with them in a free and friendly manner; courteous; sociable. An affable and courteous gentleman. Shak. His manners polite and affable. Macaulay.
2. Gracious; mild; benign. A serene and affable countenance. Tatler.
Syn. -- Courteous; civil; complaisant; accessible; mild; benign; condescending.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for affable; he lists it under friendly.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.