facile

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

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.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient facilis "easy", from 'facere', to do.
2. Stage 2 · English · 1480s facile "easy", came into English through French 'facile'; the sense 'superficial' dates from the 1800s.