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Jejune Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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jejune

[dส’ษชหˆdส’uหn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

lack of interest

The term 'jejune' is often used to describe something that is insipid, dull, or lacking in substance. It can refer to ideas, discussions, or literature that do not engage the audience or provide any meaningful insight. The word suggests an absence of depth or sophistication, making it more suitable for criticism. Additionally, 'jejune' can also imply immaturity or simplicity, often in a pejorative sense.

Synonyms

insipid, simplistic, uninteresting, vapid.

Examples of usage

  • The presentation was jejune and failed to capture the audience's attention.
  • Her jejune remarks about the complex topic did not impress the critics.
  • Despite its interesting cover, the book turned out to be quite jejune.
Context #2 | Adjective

immature behavior

'Jejune' can also describe attitudes or behaviors that are juvenile or immature. It suggests a lack of maturity or sophistication in actions or thoughts, often associated with childishness. This usage emphasizes a kind of naivety and a failure to engage with more complex, nuanced perspectives.

Synonyms

childish, inept, naive, puerile.

Examples of usage

  • His jejune behavior at the meeting was surprising for someone with his experience.
  • The film's jejune portrayal of relationships left many viewers unsatisfied.
  • She dismissed his jejune ideas as not worthy of serious consideration.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • The word is often used to describe a style of writing that is simplistic or lacking in depth, making it less engaging for readers.
  • Authors might use 'jejune' to critique works that fail to capture complex emotions or intricate ideas, pointing to a lack of depth.
  • In modern literature, 'jejune' is sometimes humorously applied to overly simplistic characters or plots that do not evolve.

Psychology

  • Research shows that environments or activities perceived as 'jejune' can lead to decreased motivation and creativity.
  • Psychological studies suggest that people tend to avoid tasks that are seen as 'jejune' because they offer little personal fulfillment.
  • The concept ties into theories of boredom, where individuals seek stimulation and can feel restless when faced with monotonous or dull tasks.

Art

  • In visual arts, a 'jejune' style might refer to works that lack complexity and can be seen as simplistic or unrefined.
  • Critics may describe paintings or sculptures as 'jejune' when they fail to provoke thought or evoke emotional responses.
  • Some artists intentionally embrace 'jejune' techniques to challenge viewersโ€™ expectations or to comment on superficiality in contemporary culture.

Pop Culture

  • The term is sometimes playfully used in reviews of movies or television shows that are predictable or lacking in imaginative plotlines.
  • In the realm of social media, a post or trend can be labeled as 'jejune' when it seems overly simplistic, lacking depth, or intellectually stimulating.
  • Music critics might describe a song as 'jejune' if its lyrics are naive or overly simplistic, suggesting a lack of emotional richness.

Origin of 'jejune'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'jejunus', which means 'fasting' or 'empty', implying a lack of substance.
  • In its earliest usages in English, it described a state of emptiness or lack of nourishment, not just in food but in ideas.
  • The term began to take on a figurative meaning in literature by the 19th century, referring to things lacking excitement or development.

The term 'jejune' originates from the Latin word 'jejunus', which means 'empty, barren, or fasting'. This Latin root reflects the sense of something lacking nourishment or substance. 'Jejunus' can also be associated with the idea of being unfulfilled or lacking richness. The word made its way into Middle English in the 17th century, preserving much of its linguistic lineage and meaning. Over time, 'jejune' evolved in English usage to describe not only physical emptiness but also abstract concepts such as ideas and discussions that lack depth or maturity. While retaining its initial connotation, the word has adapted to convey a more critical tone, often used in literary or intellectual contexts to describe works that fail to engage or stimulate thought.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,540, 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.