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Clichéd Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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clichéd

[kliˈʃeɪd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

overused phrases

lacking originality or freshness; trite

Synonyms

banal, hackneyed, stereotyped, trite, unoriginal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
clichéd

Best used when referring to something that is overused and lacks originality. It often carries a slightly negative connotation.

  • The movie was filled with clichéd characters and predictable plot twists.
  • Her speech was clichéd, offering nothing new or inspiring.
banal

Suitable for describing something that is so ordinary and uninteresting that it lacks any appeal. It has a negative connotation.

  • His conversation was filled with banal comments and dull stories.
  • The artist's latest work was criticized for being too banal and lacking depth.
hackneyed

Used for describing expressions, ideas, or elements that are overused to the point of losing their original impact. This word also has a negative tone.

  • The book's ending was hackneyed and predictable.
  • The journalist used hackneyed phrases that failed to capture the reader's interest.
stereotyped

Appropriate when discussing something that is an oversimplified and standardized conception or image, often leading to misconceptions. It has a negative implication.

  • The film perpetuated stereotyped images of certain ethnic groups.
  • Her portrayal of the character was criticized for being too stereotyped and lacking depth.
trite

Best used to describe remarks, opinions, or ideas that are overused to the point of being ineffective or boring. It has a negative connotation.

  • His apology was filled with trite expressions and seemed insincere.
  • She dismissed his advice as trite and unhelpful.
unoriginal

Use when something lacks novelty and creativity, replicating what has already been done before. It doesn't necessarily have a strong negative connotation but can imply mediocrity.

  • The band's new album was criticized for being unoriginal and repetitive.
  • His ideas were unoriginal and failed to impress the committee.

Examples of usage

  • The movie's plot was so clichéd that it was predictable from the beginning.
  • Her speech was filled with clichéd phrases that failed to inspire the audience.
  • The novel's characters were clichéd stereotypes that offered nothing new to the genre.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In literature, clichés can weaken character development, as predictable plots can make stories feel less engaging.
  • Famous authors like Mark Twain have criticized the overuse of clichés, calling for originality and vibrant storytelling.
  • An example of a literary cliché is the phrase 'it was a dark and stormy night,' often parodied for its predictability.

Pop Culture

  • Many movies and TV shows use clichés, like the 'damsel in distress' or the 'love at first sight' trope, which audiences have come to expect.
  • Clichés can both comfort and bore viewers, as they're familiar but often fail to surprise.
  • In recent years, creators have aimed to subvert clichés, offering fresh spins on well-known themes.

Psychology

  • Overused expressions can trigger automatic responses in our brains, showing how familiarity affects our thinking.
  • Clichés can contribute to surface-level thinking, limiting creativity and critical analysis in discussions and writing.
  • People often use clichés as shortcuts in communication, which can dilute the impact of genuine connection.

Art

  • In visual art, clichés can manifest as typical imagery, such as sunsets or picturesque landscapes, which artists may aim to avoid for originality.
  • Contemporary artists often challenge clichés by creating works that provoke thought rather than rely on familiar tropes.
  • The use of minimalist art can be seen as a rebellion against the cliché of overly ornate or complex imagery.

Origin of 'clichéd'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the French term 'cliche', which referred to a printing plate that stamped out the same image repeatedly.
  • Originally, 'cliché' meant a shortcut in the printing process, leading to the idea of overused phrases.
  • The term has evolved to describe not only words but also ideas, images, and expressions that feel tired and unoriginal.

The word 'clichéd' originated from the French word 'cliché,' which means stereotype. It first appeared in English in the late 19th century. The term is often used to describe phrases, ideas, or elements that are overused and lack originality. Clichéd expressions can be found in various forms of art, literature, and everyday conversations, where they are often criticized for being unoriginal and predictable.

See also: cliché.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,861, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.