facile

Etymology

Borrowed from Middle French facile, from Latin facilis (“easy to do, easy, doable”), from faciō (“I do, make”). Compare Spanish fácil (“easy”).

adj

1. Easy, now especially in a disparaging sense; contemptibly easy.
   as he that is benumbed with cold sits shaking, that might relieve himself with a little exercise or stirring, do they complain, but will not use the facile and ready means to do themselves good […]. , vol.I, New York, 2001, p.243
2. (now rare) Amiable, flexible, easy to get along with.
   His facile disposition made him many friends.
3. Effortless, fluent (of work, abilities etc.).
   we can learn the impression that he made upon a stranger and a foreigner at this period, thanks to the facile pen of Fannu Burney. 1932, Duff Cooper, Talleyrand, Folio Society, published 2010, page 54
   The centenary of Bradshaw has proved further scope in the railway field for his facile pen to be devoted to an officially-sponsored work, and the "most famous guide in the world" is fortunate in its choice of a biographer. 1940 July, “Railway Literature: The History of Bradshaw. By G. Royde Smith. London: Henry Blacklock & Co., Bradshaw House, Surrey Street, Strand, W.C.2; … 76pp. Illustrated. Price 3s. 6d. net.”, in Railway Magazine, page 432
   "Discipline," Jorge Julio Saavedra was repeating, "is more necessary to me than to other more facile writers. 1974, Graham Greene, The Honorary Consul, New York: Pocket Books, page 54
   A facile and persuasive writer, he also turned out countless newspaper articles on Russian aims in Central Asia and how best these could be thwarted. 1990, Peter Hopkirk, The Great Game, Folio Society, published 2010, page 372
4. Lazy, simplistic (especially of explanations, discussions etc.).
   There is a facile view that our green commitments – to tackling climate change, avoiding air and water pollution, protecting natural habitats – are an obstacle to growth. The message of the commodity markets is surely different. 3 May 2012, Chris Huhne, The Guardian
5. (chemistry) Of a reaction or other process, taking place readily.
   Decarboxylation of beta-keto acids is facile...