What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
facile
Example
The politician's facile promises were quickly exposed as unrealistic. [facile: adjective]
Example
She gave a facile explanation for the complex issue at hand. [facile: adjective]
glib
Example
The salesman's glib talk convinced many customers to buy his product, but it turned out to be faulty. [glib: adjective]
Example
He gave a glib answer to the difficult question, but it didn't address the underlying issue. [glib: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Glib is more commonly used than facile in everyday language, especially in social or interpersonal contexts. Facile is more commonly used in academic or intellectual contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between facile and glib?
Both facile and glib are considered formal words, but facile is more commonly used in academic or intellectual contexts, while glib is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.