facile
Definitions
(Of a remark or argument) too simple; ignoring the real complexity
（言论、论点）肤浅的，过于简单的
Done or achieved with little effort; effortless
轻而易举的，不费力的
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedfac (do) + -ile (able to be) = 'easy to do, doable.' Latin facilis meant simply 'easy.' In English it kept the 'easy' sense but picked up a sneer: a facile answer is easy because it skips the hard parts.
Root fac still carries 273 more wordsWhy It Means This
Watch the tone. 'A facile solution' is not praise — it means a glib, too-easy answer that ignores complications. The 'effortless' sense (facile fluency) is more neutral, but the dismissive sense dominates modern usage.
Example Sentences
- 1.
That's a facile explanation that ignores the real causes.
- 2.
She gave a facile smile and changed the subject.
- 3.
His facile command of three languages impressed everyone.
Easily Confused
facile vs easy — Both go back to 'easy,' but facile carries judgment: it implies the ease comes from oversimplifying. 'An easy answer' is just simple; 'a facile answer' is simple in a way you should distrust.