Crossword Genius

Can I be friendly? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

amiable

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'friendly?' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'can i' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'can' could be 'able' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'able' is found in the answer.
'i' could be 'a' and 'a' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'mi' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'be' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for amiable that I've seen before include "'Cordial, friendly (7)'" , "Friendly, kindly" , "Good-humoured" , "Lovable, friendly" , "Friendly and good-natured (7)" .)

I've seen this clue in the Irish Times (Crosaire), The Irish News and the Sydney Morning Herald.
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