Inanity: meaning, definitions and examples

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inanity

 

[ ɪˈnænəti ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

lack of intelligence

Inanity refers to the state of being devoid of intelligence or meaning. It is often used to describe something that is silly, foolish, or lacking in seriousness. Inanity can also refer to a sense of emptiness or vacuity.

Synonyms

emptiness, foolishness, silliness.

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Word Description / Examples
inanity

This word, much like 'inanity', is used to describe something lacking in substance or meaning, often carrying a sense of triviality or absurdity.

  • The discussion quickly descended into inanity, with no real conclusions reached.
  • I was struck by the inanity of their arguments.
silliness

This word is used to describe light-hearted or playful behavior that lacks seriousness. It often carries a more positive or gentle tone than 'foolishness'.

  • Their silliness brought joy to the whole party.
  • Even adults need a bit of silliness now and then.
foolishness

This word refers to behavior or actions that are silly or lack good judgment. It is often used in a mildly critical or disapproving context.

  • His foolishness led to many mistakes at work.
  • They laughed at their own foolishness after realizing the error.
emptiness

This word is usually used when referring to a state of being empty or void, either physically or emotionally. It has a more neutral or somber tone.

  • She felt a deep emptiness after her friends moved away.
  • The streets were filled with a haunting emptiness at dawn.

Examples of usage

  • The comedian's jokes were full of inanity, lacking any real wit or cleverness.
  • I couldn't stand the inanity of the reality TV show, it was all just mindless drama.

Translations

Translations of the word "inanity" in other languages:

🇵🇹 vazio

🇮🇳 मूर्खता

🇩🇪 Nichtigkeit

🇮🇩 kekosongan

🇺🇦 порожнеча

🇵🇱 bezsensowność

🇯🇵 空虚

🇫🇷 futilité

🇪🇸 vacío

🇹🇷 boşluk

🇰🇷 공허

🇸🇦 فراغ

🇨🇿 nesmyslnost

🇸🇰 nezmyselnosť

🇨🇳 空虚

🇸🇮 nesmiselnost

🇮🇸 tómleiki

🇰🇿 бос

🇬🇪 ფუჭი

🇦🇿 boşluq

🇲🇽 vacío

Etymology

The word 'inanity' has its roots in the Latin word 'inanitas', meaning 'emptiness' or 'void'. Over time, it has come to be used in English to describe a lack of intelligence or meaning. The concept of inanity has been explored in various philosophical and literary works, highlighting the contrast between superficiality and depth in human thought and expression.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,157 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.