Bland Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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bland
[blรฆnd ]
Definitions
taste
lacking strong features or characteristics and therefore uninteresting
Synonyms
flavorless, insipid, tasteless, unseasoned.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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bland |
Appropriate for describing food, drinks, or even situations that lack strong flavor, excitement, or variety. Often used with a neutral or mildly negative connotation.
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tasteless |
Describes food or drinks that are devoid of taste, but can also refer to something done in poor taste or without good judgment, making it versatile but often negative.
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insipid |
Can describe food, drinks, or experiences that are not stimulating or interesting, often with a stronger negative connotation than 'bland'.
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flavorless |
Specifically used for food and drinks to indicate a complete lack of flavor, usually with a negative connotation.
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unseasoned |
Primarily used for food to indicate that no spices or seasoning have been added, leading to a lack of flavor. It is generally a neutral term but can be negative in culinary contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The soup was bland and tasteless.
- She found the food rather bland.
personality
showing no strong emotions; dull and uninteresting
Synonyms
emotionless, expressionless, unemotional, unimpressive.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
bland |
Use 'bland' when describing something lacking strong features, characteristics, or flavors. It is often used for food or personalities that are uninteresting.
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expressionless |
Use 'expressionless' to describe a face that shows no emotion or feeling. It is often used when referring to someone's facial expressions, or lack thereof.
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emotionless |
Use 'emotionless' to describe someone who shows no feelings or emotional responses. It can be used in both negative and neutral contexts.
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unemotional |
Use 'unemotional' when describing someone who does not show emotions or is not easily affected by feelings. It can suggest a deliberate or habitual lack of emotion.
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unimpressive |
Use 'unimpressive' when describing something or someone that fails to impress or stand out. It suggests mediocrity or inadequacy.
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Examples of usage
- He had a bland expression on his face.
- Her bland personality made it hard to connect with her.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Culinary Usage
- In cooking, bland describes foods that are not seasoned well, like plain rice or boiled potatoes.
- While considered unappealing by some, bland foods are often recommended for those with sensitive stomachs or recovering from illness.
- Dietary choices sometimes include bland options to avoid strong flavors that might induce discomfort.
Cultural References
- Pop culture often uses 'bland' to describe characters or personalities that are overly simplistic or lacking depth.
- Movies and shows sometimes highlight a contrast between bland and colorful characters to emphasize diversity in storytelling.
- Some music genres are described as bland when they lack innovation or distinctiveness, leading to a preference for more dynamic sounds.
Psychology
- Bland environments can lead to decreased creativity and motivation as they lack sensory stimulation.
- Studies show that individuals may prefer exciting experiences if they find their daily life too bland or predictable.
- Personality traits linked to being 'bland' often include being agreeable, but these individuals can also struggle with decision-making or self-expression.
Literature
- In literature, bland characters may serve to highlight the traits of more dynamic characters, creating a contrast in narratives.
- Several authors use bland settings to evoke feelings of monotony or despair in their work, enhancing the thematic message.
- The term is often employed in critiques of writing to describe works lacking in depth or imaginative flair.
Origin of 'bland'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'blandus', which means mild or gentle.
- In the 14th century, it was used in English to describe a soft and soothing nature.
- Over time, its meaning shifted to refer to dullness in both flavor and personality.
The word 'bland' originated from the Old English word 'blond,' meaning shining or smooth. Over time, it evolved to mean mild or gentle in taste. The modern usage of 'bland' to describe something dull or lacking in interest emerged in the late 17th century.
See also: blandishment, blandness.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #16,094, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.
- ...
- 16091 mildew
- 16092 inactivity
- 16093 threshing
- 16094 bland
- 16095 omen
- 16096 bubbling
- 16097 symbolically
- ...