Definition

The quality of being smooth and persuasive in speech, often in a way that is insincere or superficial.

Example

His glibness made it hard to trust his promises.

Conversation

Have you noticed how some people talk with such glibness?

Yeah, it's almost like they don't mean what they're saying.

Exactly! It can be really off-putting sometimes.

I prefer genuine conversations over that kind of smooth talk.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Glibness → It is formed from "glib" (of uncertain origin, possibly from Middle Dutch "glibberig", meaning slippery) and the suffix "-ness" (meaning the state or quality of). The word "glibness" refers to the quality of being smooth or slippery in speech, often implying insincerity or superficiality.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who speaks in a 'slippery' way ('glib') — the '-ness' indicates the quality of that smoothness. This helps you remember that 'glibness' refers to the quality of being insincere or superficial in speech.

Visually Confused Words