Cliché: meaning, definitions and examples
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cliché
[ klɪˈʃeɪ ]
in conversation
A cliché is an overused expression or idea that has lost its originality or impact due to frequent repetition. Clichés are often seen as unoriginal and lacking creativity.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He used so many clichés in his speech that it was hard to take him seriously.
- The movie was filled with clichés, making it predictable and boring.
in writing
In writing, a cliché is a phrase or idea that has been used so often that it has become stale and uninteresting. Writers are often encouraged to avoid clichés in order to create more original and engaging content.
Synonyms
hackneyed phrase, stereotype, worn-out expression.
Examples of usage
- The author was criticized for relying on clichés in his novel, making it feel cliché and uninspired.
- The use of clichés in the poem detracted from its overall impact and originality.
Translations
Translations of the word "cliché" in other languages:
🇵🇹 clichê
🇮🇳 क्लिचे
🇩🇪 Klischee
🇮🇩 klise
🇺🇦 кліше
🇵🇱 klisza
🇯🇵 クリシェ
🇫🇷 cliché
🇪🇸 cliché
🇹🇷 klişe
🇰🇷 클리셰
🇸🇦 كليشيه
🇨🇿 klišé
🇸🇰 klišé
🇨🇳 陈词滥调
🇸🇮 klišé
🇮🇸 klisjé
🇰🇿 кліше
🇬🇪 კლიშე
🇦🇿 klishe
🇲🇽 cliché
Etymology
The word 'cliché' originated from the French language, where it originally referred to a stereotype printing plate. In the printing industry, a cliché was a cast or stereotype used to reproduce blocks of text or illustrations. Over time, the term evolved to refer to overused phrases or ideas in the context of language and creativity.
See also: clichéd.
Word Frequency Rank
Positioned at #24,794, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.
- ...
- 24791 hoeing
- 24792 unsalted
- 24794 cliché
- 24795 collaterally
- 24796 unconvinced
- 24797 dissimulation
- ...