Facile
Pronunciation
- UK IPA: /ˈfa.sʌɪl/
- US IPA: /ˈfæ.saɪl/
Origin
From Middle French facile, from Latin facilis ("easy to do, easy, literally doable"), from facere ("to do, make"). Compare Spanish fácil ("easy").
Full definition of facile
Adjective
facile
- Easy, now especially in a disparaging sense; contemptibly easy. from 15th c.
- 1621, Robert Burton, The Anatomy of Melancholy, vol. I, New York 2001, p. 243:as he that is benumbed with cold sits shaking, that might relieve himself with a little exercise or stirring, do they complain, but will not use the facile and ready means to do themselves good ....
- (now rare) Amiable, flexible, easy to get along with. from 16th c.His facile disposition made him many friends.
- Effortless, fluent (of work, abilities etc.). from 17th c.
- 1932, Duff Cooper, Talleyrand, Folio Society 2010, p. 54:we can learn the impression that he made upon a stranger and a foreigner at this period, thanks to the facile pen of Fannu Burney.
- 1974, Graham Greene, The Honorary Consul, Pocket Books, New York, p. 54:"Discipline," Jorge Julio Saavedra was repeating, "is more necessary to me than to other more facile writers.
- 1990, Peter Hopkirk, The Great Game, Folio Society 2010, p. 372:A facile and persuasive writer, he also turned out countless newspaper articles on Russian aims in Central Asia and how best these could be thwarted.
- Lazy, simplistic (especially of explanations, discussions etc.). from 19th c.
- 2012, Chris Huhne, The Guardian, 3 May 2012:There is a facile view that our green commitments – to tackling climate change, avoiding air and water pollution, protecting natural habitats – are an obstacle to growth. The message of the commodity markets is surely different.
- (chemistry) Of a reaction or other process, taking place readily.Decarboxylation of beta-keto acids is facile...
Synonyms
- (skillful) See also