Word of the Day, November 8: ‘Glib’
Word of the Day: GLIB
Pronunciation: UK /ɡlɪb/
US /ɡlɪb/
Meaning
Glib is an adjective used to describe someone who speaks fluently and confidently but without much thought, sincerity or seriousness. The word usually carries a negative meaning.
Examples in everyday sentences
- The politician gave a glib answer when asked about the rising cost of living.
- His glib apology did little to convince his colleagues that he was genuinely sorry.
- She was tired of receiving glib advice from people who did not understand her situation.
Origin and history
Glib entered English in the late 16th century. Its earliest recorded meaning was smooth or slippery. The word is thought to have Germanic roots and may be related to the Low German word ‘glibberig’, meaning smooth or slippery.
By around 1600, the word was being used to describe speech and speakers. The connection is quite interesting: just as something slippery moves easily, a glib speaker has a smooth and effortless flow of words. Over time, the term developed its present disapproving sense, suggesting speech that is fluent but shallow or insincere.
Also Read: Word of the Day, November 7: ‘Fey’
Cultural significance and modern usage
Today, glib is commonly used in discussions about politics, public speaking, advertising and everyday conversations. It is often used when someone offers a quick response to a complicated issue without showing much understanding or empathy.
It is also useful when describing apologies, promises and explanations that sound polished but fail to feel genuine.
Interesting facts
The adverb form is glibly, while the noun is glibness.
Glibber and glibbest are its comparative and superlative forms.
Glib is often confused with eloquent, but the two words have different meanings. Eloquence refers to fluent and effective expression, while glibness suggests a lack of sincerity or depth.
The phrase glib tongue is used to describe someone who is smooth-talking and quick with words.
Examples from literature
- “I want that glib and oily art,
To speak and purpose not.”— King Lear by William Shakespeare - “He let the dwarf beguile him with that glib tongue of his.”— A Dance with Dragons by George R R Martin
- “I was glib, even witty, or at least that's how I imagined myself.”— The Blindfold by Siri Hustvedt
Synonyms
- Smooth-talking
- Slick
- Superficial
- Insincere
- Shallow
- Facile
- Plausible
- Unconvincing
Antonyms
- Sincere
- Thoughtful
- Genuine
- Earnest
- Honest
- Meaningful
- Considered
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