adjective
facile
FASS-yle
Facile (adjective) means Too simple to be convincing; arrived at without proper thought and ignoring the real difficulties. Example: “It's a facile explanation that ignores fifty years of history.”
adjective
1
Too simple to be convincing; arrived at without proper thought and ignoring the real difficulties.
"It's a facile explanation that ignores fifty years of history."
"He offered the facile suggestion that they should simply work harder."
2
Achieved easily, sometimes suspiciously so, especially of a sporting win.
"A facile 4-0 victory over the bottom club."
3
Working with easy fluency, as of a writer, speaker or performer; often with a hint that fluency has replaced substance.
"He is a facile speaker who can fill an hour on any topic."
How to use facile
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEasy in a way that misses the real point.
When to use it
Formal and critical; common in reviews, opinion writing and academic argument.
Memory tip
British speakers usually say FASS-yle; Americans often say FASS-uhl.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
facile argument
facile comparison
facile assumption
facile victory
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It's a _____ explanation that ignores fifty years of history.
Etymology
Via French from Latin facilis 'easy to do', from facere 'to do, make'.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for facile
See all rhymes for facile →Frequently asked questions
Is facile a compliment or an insult?
In modern English it is almost always critical. Calling an argument facile says it is glib and under-thought, not that it is elegantly easy. Only the sporting sense — a facile win — is neutral.
What is the difference between facile and simplistic?
They are close, and both are negative. Simplistic means an explanation leaves out necessary complexity. Facile adds a note of glibness — that the speaker reached the answer too easily and perhaps too pleased with themselves for doing so.
What is the meaning of facile?
"facile" (adjective) means too simple to be convincing; arrived at without proper thought and ignoring the real difficulties.
What is another word for facile?
Other words for "facile" include simplistic, superficial, glib, shallow, pat, silver.
