Main Entry:

fac·ile

Pronunciation:

\ˈfa-səl\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

Middle French, from Latin facilis, from facere to do — more at do

Date:

15th century

1 a (1): easily accomplished or attained <a facile victory> (2): shallow, simplistic <I am not concerned…with offering any facile solution for so complex a problem — T. S. Eliot> b: used or comprehended with ease c: readily manifested and often lacking sincerity or depth <facile tears>2archaic : mild or pleasing in manner or disposition3 a: ready, fluent <facile prose> b: poised, assured

synonyms see easy

— fac·ile·ly \-sə(l)-lē\ adverb

— fac·ile·ness \-səl-nəs\ noun