ad-lib
/ˌæd ˈlɪb/ (bre, ipa) · [ˈædlˈɪb] /ˌæd ˈlɪb/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌædˈlɪb/ (bre, ipa) · [ˈædlˈɪb] /ˌædˈlɪb/ (ame, ipa) · [ˈædlˈɪb] /ˈad-ˈlib/ (ame, mw)
ad-lib — adverb
1. without planning the words or action beforehand, especially while speaking or pe
without planning the words or action beforehand, especially while speaking or performing
When the screen froze, Cyrus explained the plan ad-lib until the slides returned.
explain ad-lib during an interruption
At the wedding, Ife thanked both families ad-lib after losing her notes.
thank people ad-lib after losing notes
Minho handled the radio interview ad-lib and still sounded calm.
The club captain introduced the singers ad-lib when the host was late.
- impromptu
often sounds slightly more formal and can describe events as well as speaking
- off the cuff
is more informal and often focuses on spoken remarks
- from notes
shows the speaker is following prepared material
- by script
emphasizes a fixed written version
文法句型
speak ad-lib
handle + event ad-lib
do + it ad-lib
用法筆記
Common when a person must keep speaking or performing after notes, slides, or a script fail. It usually suggests a quick response rather than a carefully built speech.
常見錯誤
2. in a musical performance, with freedom to bend the written rhythm or notes inste
in a musical performance, with freedom to bend the written rhythm or notes instead of following them exactly
During the encore, Eric sang the final line ad-lib over the piano chords.
sing ad-lib over accompaniment
The guitar player played the bridge ad-lib, stretching the tune for tension.
play a section ad-lib
On the live recording, Romi drummed ad-lib while the band held one chord.
The choir leader asked Noa to phrase the repeat ad-lib tonight.
- freely
is broader and does not specifically point to working away from written notes
- improvisationally
is more technical and sounds less natural in ordinary music talk
- strictly
shows close obedience to the written score
文法句型
sing ad-lib
play + section ad-lib
phrase + line ad-lib
用法筆記
This sense is tied to performing music, not to giving a speech without notes. It often means the player keeps the basic shape but treats timing or melody more freely than the written version.
3. as an optional part, depending on which instrument or singer is available at the
as an optional part, depending on which instrument or singer is available at the time
The score marks the flute line ad-lib if no second player comes.
score marks a line ad-lib
For village concerts, the cello part may be taken ad-lib.
part may be taken ad-lib
The teacher left the harmony ad-lib when only one singer arrived.
In this hymn, the drum entry is ad-lib on smaller stages.
- optionally
gives the general idea but lacks the score-direction flavor
- obligatorily
shows the part must be included
文法句型
marked ad-lib
taken ad-lib
left ad-lib
用法筆記
Unlike sense 2, this sense is about whether a part is included at all, not about bending the written notes. It usually appears in score directions or rehearsal talk.
ad-lib — verb
- ad-libpresent simple I / you / we / they
- ad-libs3rd person singular
- ad-libbing-ing form
- ad-libbedpast simple
1. to make up words or performance details as you speak or act, instead of using a
to make up words or performance details as you speak or act, instead of using a prepared version
When the microphone died, Aarav ad-libbed a joke to calm the crowd.
ad-lib + a joke
Antonia ad-libbed through the missing scene until the chair was brought in.
ad-lib through a gap on stage
The tour guide ad-libbed extra stories when children asked about the castle.
Pim ad-libbed the last verse after forgetting the written line.
- improvise
is broader and can apply to plans, tools, or other non-speaking actions
- wing it
is more informal and often suggests coping with poor preparation
- extemporize
is more formal and is mostly used for speeches
文法句型
ad-lib + a joke/speech/line
ad-lib through + moment
ad-lib when + something goes wrong
用法筆記
It can take a direct object such as joke, line, or speech, or appear without one when the context already shows what is being improvised. Distinguish it from improvise, which is broader and not limited to words or stage delivery.
常見錯誤
ad-lib — adjective
1. created or delivered on the spot rather than written, rehearsed, or planned firs
created or delivered on the spot rather than written, rehearsed, or planned first
Hyun gave an ad-lib answer when the reporter asked about the delay.
an ad-lib answer
Christopher's ad-lib remark made the whole table laugh during lunch.
an ad-lib remark
The director kept one ad-lib scene because it felt warm and natural.
Our teacher praised the ad-lib sketch for sounding lively, not stiff.
- impromptu
can sound slightly more formal and often describes events or speeches
- unscripted
focuses on the lack of a written script rather than the lively on-the-spot feel
文法句型
an ad-lib answer
an ad-lib remark
an ad-lib scene
用法筆記
This sense is attributive and usually comes before a noun such as answer, joke, line, or scene. Use the verb ad-lib when you want to describe the act itself rather than the result.
常見錯誤
ad-lib — phrase
1. according to what a person prefers, chooses, or asks for
according to what a person prefers, chooses, or asks for
At the tea station, guests could add sugar ad lib through the evening.
do something ad lib by preference
The doctor said the patient could drink water ad lib after the test.
drink ad lib after permission
On the retreat form, tea was available ad lib for all volunteers.
The coach let players rest ad lib once the heat warning began.
- as desired
is a plain English replacement with the same formal meaning
- at will
often sounds firmer and can suggest acting whenever one chooses
- as directed
shows the action must follow another person's instructions
文法句型
available ad lib
drink/eat ad lib
let + someone + do something ad lib
用法筆記
This formal phrase focuses on personal choice or permission. Distinguish it from phrase sense 2, which stresses the lack of a set limit on amount or frequency.
2. as much or as often as wanted, without a set limit or restraint
as much or as often as wanted, without a set limit or restraint
During winter, the sheep were fed hay ad lib in the barn.
feed animals ad lib
The study allowed children to sip water ad lib between tasks.
ad lib for unrestricted intake
Bread was offered ad lib, so nobody left the table hungry.
At camp, the rabbits could graze ad lib after sunset.
- without limit
states the meaning directly but lacks the formal Latin tone
- freely
can overlap, but it is broader and does not always imply unlimited amount
- in fixed amounts
shows a strict quantity or schedule is set
文法句型
feed + animal + ad lib
offer + food/water + ad lib
do + something + ad lib
用法筆記
This sense is about unlimited quantity or repeated access, not simply personal preference. It often appears in instructions for food, water, or other things people or animals may take freely.