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Jejune: meaning, definitions and examples

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jejune

 

[ dʒɪˈdʒuːn ]

Adjective
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

Translations of the word "jejune" in other languages:

🇵🇹 insípido

🇮🇳 निष्प्रभावी

🇩🇪 langweilig

🇮🇩 membosankan

🇺🇦 нудний

🇵🇱 nudny

🇯🇵 退屈な

🇫🇷 insipide

🇪🇸 insípido

🇹🇷 sıradan

🇰🇷 지루한

🇸🇦 غير مثير

🇨🇿 nudný

🇸🇰 nudný

🇨🇳 乏味的

🇸🇮 površen

🇮🇸 daufur

🇰🇿 тосын

🇬🇪 მხიარული

🇦🇿 sıxıcı

🇲🇽 insípido

Etymology

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.