What does facile mean?

Definitions for facile
ˈfæs ɪl; esp. Brit. -aɪlfacile

This dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word facile.

Princeton's WordNet

  1. facileadjective

    arrived at without due care or effort; lacking depth

    "too facile a solution for so complex a problem"

  2. facileadjective

    performing adroitly and without effort

    "a facile hand"

  3. eloquent, facile, fluent, silver, silver-tongued, smooth-spokenadjective

    expressing yourself readily, clearly, effectively

    "able to dazzle with his facile tongue"; "silver speech"

Wiktionary

  1. facileadjective

    Easy, now especially in a disparaging sense; contemptibly easy.

  2. facileadjective

    Amiable, flexible, easy to get along with.

    His facile disposition made him many friends.

  3. facileadjective

    Effortless, fluent (of work, abilities etc.).

  4. facileadjective

    Lazy, simplistic (especially of explanations, discussions etc.).

  5. facileadjective

    Of a reaction or other process, taking place readily.

    Decarboxylation of beta-keto acids is facile...

  6. Etymology: From facile, from facilis, from.

Samuel Johnson's Dictionary

  1. Facileadjective

    Etymology: facile, French; facilis, Latin.

    Then also those poets, which are now counted most hard, will be both facile and pleasant. John Milton, on Education.

    To confine the imagination is as facile a performance as the Goteham’s design of hedging in the cuckoo. Joseph Glanvill, Sceps.

    By dividing it into parts so distinct, the order in which they shall find each disposed, will render the work facile and delightful. John Evelyn, Kalendar.

    This may at first seem perplexed with many difficulties, yet many things may be suggested to make it more facile and commodious. John Wilkins, Math. Magic.

    The facile gates of hell too slightly barr’d. John Milton, P. Lost.

    I meant she should be courteous, facile, sweet,
    Hating that solemn vice of greatness, pride;
    I meant each softest virtue there should meet,
    Fit in that softer bosom to reside. Ben Jonson, Epigrams.

    Raphael now, to Adam’s doubt propos’d,
    Benevolent and facile, thus reply’d. John Milton, Paradise Lost.

    Too facile then, thou did’st not much gainsay;
    Nay did’st permit, approve, and fair dismiss. John Milton, P. Lost.

    Since Adam and his facile consort Eve
    Lost Paradise, deceiv’d by me. John Milton, Paradise Regain’d.

    Some men are of that facile temper, that they are wrought upon by every object they converse with, whom any affectionate discourse, or serious sermon, or any notable accident, shall put into a fit of religion, which yet usually lasts no longer than till somewhat else comes in their way. Edmund Calamy.

Wikipedia

  1. Facile

    Facile is an album by Italian singer Mina, issued in 2009.

ChatGPT

  1. facile

    Facile refers to something that is easily achieved or effortless, often reflecting a superficial or simplistic level of understanding, skill, or attitude. It can also mean being too simple or lacking depth and complexity.

Webster Dictionary

  1. Facileadjective

    easy to be done or performed: not difficult; performable or attainable with little labor

  2. Facileadjective

    easy to be surmounted or removed; easily conquerable; readily mastered

  3. Facileadjective

    easy of access or converse; mild; courteous; not haughty, austere, or distant; affable; complaisant

  4. Facileadjective

    easily persuaded to good or bad; yielding; ductile to a fault; pliant; flexible

  5. Facileadjective

    ready; quick; expert; as, he is facile in expedients; he wields a facile pen

  6. Etymology: [L. facilis, prop., capable of being done or made, hence, facile, easy, fr. facere to make, do: cf. F. facile. Srr Fact, and cf. Faculty.]

Chambers 20th Century Dictionary

  1. Facile

    fas′il, adj. easily persuaded: affable: yielding: easy of access or accomplishment: courteous: easy.—n. Fac′ileness.—v.t. Facil′itāte, to make easy: to lessen difficulty.—ns. Facilitā′tion; Facil′ity, quality of being facile; dexterity: easiness to be persuaded: pliancy: easiness of access: affability: (Scots law) a condition of mental weakness short of idiocy, but such as makes a person easily persuaded to do deeds to his own prejudice:—pl. Facil′ities, means that render anything easily done. [Fr.,—L. facilis, easy—facĕre, to do.]

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Numerology

  1. Chaldean Numerology

    The numerical value of facile in Chaldean Numerology is: 3

  2. Pythagorean Numerology

    The numerical value of facile in Pythagorean Numerology is: 9

Examples of facile in a Sentence

  1. Chris Cillizza:

    It’s facile. It shows an actual lack of understanding of reality tv( ca n’t believe I ’m typing that). It’s mediocre. It’s a time when viewers need to understand what’s going on at the highest levels of [ government ].

  2. Steve Herz:

    Countries that don't want an outcome can no longer make a facile argument that they will just lose market share to China.

  3. Charles de LEUSSE:

    Easy to break mirror; less easy to see oneself. (Facile de casser le miroir; - Moins facile de s’y voir.)

Popularity rank by frequency of use

facile#10000#47735#100000

Translations for facile

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"facile." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 18 Mar. 2024. <https://www.definitions.net/definition/facile>.

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