Finesentence logo

Cliché: meaning, definitions and examples

🔄
Add to dictionary

cliché

 

[ klɪˈʃeɪ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

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

banality, platitude, truism

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.
Context #2 | Noun

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

Word origin

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.