Word
glib
US/ˈɡɫɪb/
UK/ɡlˈɪb/
Definition
adj. speaking in a smooth and quick way that sounds confident but is not sincere or careful. You use it when someone talks easily but does not really think deeply or tell the full truth.
adj. fluent and voluble in speech, often marked by superficiality or lack of sincerity. Implies ready, easy talk that avoids real thought or honest engagement.
Examples
“His glib answer does not convince the teacher.”
“The salesman gives a glib reply to every complaint but never fixes the problem.”
“The politician offers a glib promise of quick reform, smoothing over complex budget problems with confident phrases that fall apart under close questioning.”
Examples
simple
“His glib answer does not convince the teacher.”
contextual
“The salesman gives a glib reply to every complaint but never fixes the problem.”
complex
“The politician offers a glib promise of quick reform, smoothing over complex budget problems with confident phrases that fall apart under close questioning.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “glib” in context.
Verb
01. appear glib
“Her comments appeared glib in light of the serious losses.”
verb + adj
02. dismiss as glib
“Critics dismissed his speech as glib and superficial.”
verb + prep + adj
Adjective
03. glib answer
“His glib answer failed to convince the interview panel.”
adj + noun
04. glib assurance
“His glib assurance that costs would not rise convinced no one.”
adj + noun
05. glib explanation
“He offered a glib explanation for missing the deadline.”
adj + noun
06. glib promise
“Her glib promise to fix everything overnight sounded hollow.”
adj + noun
07. glib remark
“She brushed off the criticism with a glib remark.”
adj + noun
08. glib response
“Voters saw through his glib response to the scandal.”
adj + noun
Noun
09. glib politician
“People distrust the glib politician who never gives details.”
adj + noun
10. glib salesman
“The glib salesman promised returns that were clearly impossible.”
adj + noun
11. dismiss as glib rhetoric
“Analysts dismissed the pledge as glib rhetoric before the election.”
12. give a glib answer
“When pressed, the minister gave a glib answer about funding.”
Usage
Often describes speech, answers, or excuses; typically placed before the noun or after linking verbs like 'sound'.
Etymology
A shortening of either English glibbery (“slippery”) or its source, Low German glibberig, glibberich (“slippery”) / Dutch glibberig (“slippery”).
From Irish glib.
Compare Old English and dialectal English lib (“to castrate, geld”), dialectal Danish live, Low German and Old Dutch lubben.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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