🔊 Pronunciation: /ˈæd.lɪb/
🗣️ Part of Speech: Verb, Noun, Adjective
Definition:
Ad-lib means to improvise, to speak, perform, or do something without prior preparation. It often refers to spontaneous remarks or actions, especially in performances or casual conversations.
It's commonly used in theater, comedy, film, and public speaking.
Examples:
- "When the teleprompter failed, she had to ad-lib the rest of her speech.”
(She improvised, nothing was scripted.)
- "That hilarious line wasn't in the script, it was a perfect ad-lib.”
(A spontaneous joke added in the moment.)
- "He's known for his ad-lib style during live shows.”
(Unscripted, off-the-cuff, and often entertaining.)
🧠 Bonus Tip:"Ad-lib" comes from Latin “ad libitum,” meaning “at one’s pleasure.”
Use it when someone goes off-script or improvises with flair, whether on stage or in everyday life.