facile

Everyday

1. Too simple; said or done without careful thought, so it ignores the real problem. tree →
2. (old or literary) Done easily, smooth and effortless. tree →

In the lessons

In debates and essays, a «facile answer» or «facile argument» is one that is too easy and shallow; teachers may write it as criticism. In stories, an old-style sense means smooth and skilful. Phrases: «a facile answer», «facile solution», «facile comparison».

Examples

• Saying «just be happy» is a facile answer to sadness. tree →
• The critic called the film's ending facile. tree →
• Don't give a facile reply; think it through. tree →
• There is no facile solution to traffic jams. tree →
• His facile excuses annoyed the teacher. tree →
• It is facile to blame one person for the whole problem. tree →

Note

Formal and usually critical. Pronounced «FASS-ile» (UK, «-ile» as in «mile») or «FASS-ul» (US). False friend: French «facile» simply means «easy», but in English it usually means too simple, in a bad way.