adlib — to speak or perform without preparation; to improvise
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to speak or perform without preparation; to improvise
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈæd lɪb/
Example Sentences
- When the teleprompter broke, the news anchor had to ad-lib the entire weather report.
- The comedian's best jokes were all ad-libs that came to him spontaneously.
- She ad-libbed so well during the presentation that nobody noticed she forgot half her speech.
adlib
VERB[/ˈæd lɪb/]
to speak or perform without preparation; to improvise
When the mic died, the comedian started to adlib jokes about the silent speaker.
The actor had no line ready, so he ad-libbed and made the audience laugh. (Think of: ad-lib = add a line freely)
The actor ad-libbed during the improv show and kept the live audience laughing.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'ad libitum' meaning 'at pleasure' or 'as desired.' Originally a musical term allowing performers to play freely, it evolved to mean improvised speech in theater and everyday conversation.
Breakdown
ad- (to/at) + libitum (pleasure/desire, from libere 'to be pleasing')
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“When the teleprompter broke, the news anchor had to ad-lib the entire weather report.”
“The comedian's best jokes were all ad-libs that came to him spontaneously.”
“She ad-libbed so well during the presentation that nobody noticed she forgot half her speech.”
“The teacher's ad-lib explanation about quantum physics was better than the textbook.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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