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“ad lib”
ad lib
A spontaneous remark that is invented and presented on the spur of the moment without previous thoughts about it.
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Dictionary with a Touch of Humor
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ad libitum; ad lib (Latin adverb)
At pleasure; according to one's pleasure; freely, unscripted, improvised; extemporaneously.
This is usually shortened to ad lib. and can be written with or without a period. Ad lib is used both as a verb and as a noun.
When used in the entertainment world, to ad lib means to improvise, to add an impromptu word or statement to a script. As a noun, an ad lib is an "off-the-cuff", or unprepared, remark.
It is said that there are some politicians who have "carefully planned ad libs".
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ad-
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Latin Proverbs, Mottoes, Phrases, and Words: Group A
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Word Entries at Get Words:
“ad lib”
ad lib., ad libitum
at will
Literally meaning is "at pleasure". This expression is popularly used as a noun phrase or modifier in English in the form "ad lib" to express absence of planning; for example, "His worst jokes were carefully planned ad libs."
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Abbreviations Frequently Encountered
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ad-lib (verb), ad-libs; ad-libbed; ad-libbing
To improvise all or part of a speech or another kind of performance; that is, to spontaneously say something without prior preparation: Many in the audience noticed that the mistress of ceremonies was ad-libbing her speech at the awards ceremony.
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Go to this Word A Day Revisited Index
Go to this Word A Day Revisited Index
so you can see more of Mickey Bach's cartoons.
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English Words in Action, Group A
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To spontaneously say something without prior preparation. (1)
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Word a Day Revisited Index of Cartoons Illustrating the Meanings of Words
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