Glibly: meaning, definitions and examples

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glibly

 

[ ˈɡlɪbli ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

speaking in a smooth, easy, and often deceptive manner

Speaking glibly often involves using clever but insincere words to manipulate or deceive others. It can also refer to speaking in a way that is superficial or lacking in depth.

Synonyms

fluently, slickly, smoothly.

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Word Description / Examples
glibly

Used when someone speaks in a confident and fluent manner, but in a way that is shallow or lacks thought. It often has a negative connotation.

  • He answered the tough questions glibly, without really addressing the concerns.
  • She glibly shrugged off the criticism, not seeming to care about the implications.
smoothly

Used to describe actions or processes that happen without any problems or interruptions.

  • The event ran smoothly without any glitches.
  • She transitioned smoothly into her new role at the company.
fluently

Used when someone speaks or writes in a language smoothly and effortlessly, showing mastery and ease in the language.

  • She spoke French fluently, impressing everyone at the conference.
  • After years of practice, he could write fluently in Spanish.
slickly

Used when someone does something in a smooth, efficient, and usually superficial way. It can imply a certain degree of cunning or manipulation.

  • The salesman slickly convinced them to buy the expensive car.
  • His presentation was slickly produced, but it was clear he hadn't delved into the subject deeply.

Examples of usage

  • He glibly convinced the audience that his plan was flawless.
  • She glibly answered all the questions, but it was clear she didn't really know what she was talking about.
  • The politician glibly promised to lower taxes, but failed to provide any concrete plans.

Translations

Translations of the word "glibly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 superficialmente

🇮🇳 हड़बड़ी में

🇩🇪 oberflächlich

🇮🇩 dengan sembarangan

🇺🇦 легковажно

🇵🇱 powierzchownie

🇯🇵 軽薄に (けいはくに)

🇫🇷 superficiellement

🇪🇸 superficialmente

🇹🇷 yüzeysel olarak

🇰🇷 경솔하게

🇸🇦 بسطحية

🇨🇿 povrchně

🇸🇰 povrchne

🇨🇳 轻率地 (qīngshuài de)

🇸🇮 površinsko

🇮🇸 yfirborðslega

🇰🇿 жұқалап

🇬🇪 ზედაპირულად

🇦🇿 səthi

🇲🇽 superficialmente

Etymology

The word 'glibly' originated from the Middle English word 'glib,' which meant 'smooth' or 'slippery.' Over time, the meaning evolved to include the idea of speaking smoothly and easily, often with a deceptive or superficial intent. The use of 'glibly' has been recorded as early as the 16th century in English literature.

See also: glib.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,827, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.