Words / C2

GLIB/ɡlɪb/

Glib means fluent and easy but shallow or insincere (disapproving): a glib reply, glib assurances. Smooth and slick are cousins; fluent is often praise. Do not call a short, accurate date glib because it is not a paragraph of feeling.

Meaning

Fluent and easy, but shallow or not sincere (disapproving).

Examples

• “A glib “we hear you” did not restore the spare invigilator.”
• “Fluent can be a compliment. Slick is close and also disapproving. Superficial is the content judgement. A one-line fact with a date is brevity, not glibness. An uncosted promise is glib.”

Good to know

Slick and shallow (disapproving). Contrast: fluent (often praise). Everyday: superficial. Brevity with a date is not glib; an empty promise is.

Near in meaning

superficial

New