Could someone please explain to me how facile differs form easy.
and is the word facile used correctly in this sentence( excerpt form my essay)
"He ultimately does not kill Popé; nonetheless, though it is not explicitly stated that John acted unconsciously, one can facilely infer that this was the case.
http://www.answers.com/facile
The word "facile" has more to do with something people can DO rather than what/how they can THINK.
adroit would be a good synonym for facile. "easily" would be a much better modifier of infer.
Facile and easy are similar in meaning as both refer to something that is not difficult to accomplish or understand. However, there is a subtle difference between the two words.
Facile, in addition to meaning easy, often carries a negative connotation. It suggests that something is achieved or understood too effortlessly or without sufficient thought, depth, or consideration. It implies that the task or inference was done hastily or superficially, without much effort or intellectual engagement.
On the other hand, easy simply means not difficult or demanding. It does not necessarily imply a lack of effort or depth. It can signify that something is straightforward, accessible, or readily achievable, without any negative connotation.
Regarding your sentence, the use of the word "facilely" seems appropriate. It effectively conveys the idea that the inference was made too easily or hastily without sufficient evidence or analysis. However, since it is an excerpt from your essay, I would recommend reading the entire essay to ensure that the use of "facilely" is consistent with the overall tone and purpose of your writing.