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ad lib
01
without prior practice or preparation
Grammatical Information
Examples
The actor forgot his lines and had to speak ad lib during the performance.
to ad lib
01
to say or perform something spontaneously without prior preparation
Transitive
Grammatical Information
Composition
phrasal
Action verb
Regular
Inseparable
Particle
lib
Base verb
ad
Present tense
ad lib
3rd person singular
ad libs
Present participle
ad libbing
Past simple
ad libbed
Past participle
ad libbed
Examples
The actor had to ad lib when he forgot his lines during the play.
Ad lib
01
a line that is recited in a speech or performance without prior preparation
Grammatical Information
Animacy status
Abstract
Composition
Compound
Countable
Plural form
ad libs
What is an "ad lib"?
An ad lib is an unscripted or spontaneous remark or piece of dialogue delivered by an actor or speaker during a performance or speech. It typically occurs when the performer improvises, deviating from the written script to respond to a situation or add personal flair. Ad libs can be used to enhance a performance, address unexpected circumstances, or engage more directly with the audience.
Examples
The actor's quick wit saved the scene when he forgot his line, delivering a perfectly timed ad lib that had the audience roaring with laughter.
