Banal: meaning, definitions and examples

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banal

 

[ bəˈnɑːl ]

Context #1

everyday life

lacking originality, common, boring, uninteresting

Synonyms

commonplace, mundane, ordinary, predictable, trite

Examples of usage

  • His banal jokes never made anyone laugh.
  • The movie's plot was so banal that it was predictable from the start.
Context #2

art

a banal statement or work of art lacks originality and is boring or predictable

Synonyms

cliché, hackneyed, platitude, stale, unoriginal

Examples of usage

  • Some critics argue that the painting is banal and lacks creativity.
  • The artist was criticized for his banal lyrics and lack of depth.

Translations

Translations of the word "banal" in other languages:

🇵🇹 banal

🇮🇳 साधारण

🇩🇪 banal

🇮🇩 biasa

🇺🇦 банальний

🇵🇱 banalny

🇯🇵 平凡な (へいぼんな)

🇫🇷 banal

🇪🇸 banal

🇹🇷 banal

🇰🇷 평범한 (평범한)

🇸🇦 مبتذل

🇨🇿 banální

🇸🇰 banálny

🇨🇳 平凡的 (平凡的)

🇸🇮 banalen

🇮🇸 venjulegur

🇰🇿 жай

🇬🇪 ბანალური

🇦🇿 banal

🇲🇽 banal

Word origin

The word 'banal' originates from the French word 'banal' meaning 'common' or 'ordinary'. It entered the English language in the mid-18th century. Over time, 'banal' has come to describe something lacking originality or interest, often used to criticize unoriginal works of art or mundane conversation.

See also: ban, banish, banned, banner, banning, banter.