Adjective

(en adjective)

Easy, now especially in a disparaging sense; contemptibly easy.

* , vol.I, New York, 2001, p.243:

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 […].

His facile disposition made him many friends.

Effortless, fluent (of work, abilities etc.).

* 1932 , (Duff Cooper), Talleyrand , Folio Society 2010, p. 54:

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.

* 1974 , (Graham Greene), (The Honorary Consul) , Pocket Books, New York, p.54:

"Discipline," Jorge Julio Saavedra was repeating, "is more necessary to me than to other more facile writers.

* 1990 , (Peter Hopkirk), The Great Game , Folio Society 2010, p. 372:

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.

Lazy, simplistic (especially of explanations, discussions etc.).

* 2012 , (Chris Huhne), The Guardian , 3 May 2012:

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.

(chemistry) Of a reaction or other process, taking place readily.

Decarboxylation of beta-keto acids is facile ...

Adjective

(er)

Prepared for immediate action or use.

:

*(John Milton) (1608-1674)

*:If need be, I am ready to forego / And quit.

*(Henry Fielding) (1707-1754)

*:Dinner was ready .

Inclined; apt to happen.

Liable at any moment.

:

*(William Shakespeare) (1564-1616)

*:My heart is ready to crack.

Not slow or hesitating; quick in action or perception of any kind; dexterous; prompt; easy; expert.

:

*Sir (Walter Scott) (1771-1832)

*:whose temper was ready , through surly

* (1800-1859)

*:ready in devising expedients

*

*:Molly the dairymaid came a little way from the rickyard, and said she would pluck the pigeon that very night after work. She was always ready to do anything for us boys; and we could never quite make out why they scolded her so for an idle hussy indoors. It seemed so unjust. Looking back, I recollect she had very beautiful brown eyes.

*{{quote-magazine, date=2013-08-10, volume=408, issue=8848, magazine=(The Economist), author=Lexington

, title= Keeping the mighty honest , passage=The [Washington] Post's proprietor through those turbulent [Watergate] days, Katharine Graham, held a double place in Washington’s hierarchy: at once regal Georgetown hostess and scrappy newshound, ready to hold the establishment to account.}}

Offering itself at once; at hand; opportune; convenient.

*(John Milton) (1608-1674)

*:the readiest way

*(John Dryden) (1631-1700)

*:A sapling pine he wrenched from out the ground, / The readiest weapon that his fury found.