Etymology Map
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Facile

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means too simple; superficial

Where does the word "facile" come from? It comes from Latin facilis, adopted directly into English (1480s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
facilis
Latin · ancient
"easy"
from 'facere', to do
2
Stage 2 of 2
facile
English · 1480s
"easy"
came into English through French 'facile'; the sense 'superficial' dates from the 1800s
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Facile’s story begins in Latin: facilis meant “easy.” From 'facere', to do. It reached English by 1480s as facile. Came into English through French 'facile'; the sense 'superficial' dates from the 1800s. Today, facile means too simple; superficial.