Mundane Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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mundane
[mʌnˈdeɪn ]
Definitions
everyday life
Lacking interest or excitement; dull. Of this earthly world rather than a heavenly or spiritual one. Commonplace; ordinary.
Synonyms
boring, commonplace, ordinary, routine, tedious.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| mundane |
Describes something that is very ordinary and not interesting or exciting, often used in a context that contrasts with something more exciting or extraordinary.
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| ordinary |
Describes something that is normal, with no special or distinctive features, often used to underscore the lack of uniqueness.
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| routine |
Describes actions or tasks that are performed regularly and predictably, often implying a lack of excitement.
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| commonplace |
Refers to something that is very usual and not special, often highlighting its prevalence or frequency.
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| boring |
Describes something that lacks interest or excitement, often causing people to feel bored or sleepy.
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| tedious |
Describes something that is too long, slow, or dull; tiresome or monotonous, often with a stronger negative connotation than 'boring'.
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Examples of usage
- She grew tired of the mundane routine of work and sleep.
- His mundane concerns kept him from enjoying the beauty of nature.
philosophy
The world of everyday life and experience, as opposed to the spiritual or heavenly realms.
Synonyms
earthly, material, secular, temporal, worldly.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| mundane |
Use this word to describe things that are very ordinary and not interesting.
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| earthly |
Best suited for talking about things related to the physical world rather than spiritual matters.
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| temporal |
Best used when discussing things related to time or worldly affairs, not eternal matters.
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| worldly |
Use to describe things related to the world as opposed to spiritual matters, often implying a bit of a negative connotation.
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| material |
Use when referring to physical objects or wealth, often contrasted with spiritual things.
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| secular |
Appropriate for describing things not associated with religion or the church.
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Examples of usage
- In some philosophies, the mundane is seen as separate from the divine.
- She found solace in the mundane aspects of life.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- In literature, characters often long for adventure, contrasting with the mundane aspects of their daily routines.
- Television shows like 'The Office' highlight mundane office life, making it relatable yet humorous for viewers.
- Movies often explore mundane settings to amplify the impact of sudden events or excitement, emphasizing the contrast.
Psychology
- Routine activities can lead to feelings of boredom, but they can also provide stability and predictability in life.
- Studies show that engaging creatively with mundane tasks can enhance feelings of joy and satisfaction.
- Mindfulness practices often focus on appreciating mundane moments, helping individuals find beauty in everyday experiences.
Art
- Some artists intentionally use common, mundane subjects to challenge perceptions of beauty and significance.
- The 'Still Life' genre, which often includes everyday objects, elevates mundane items to art, prompting viewers to reflect on their value.
- Street art frequently embraces mundane urban landscapes, transforming them into vibrant canvases that attract attention.
Philosophy
- Philosophers examine the mundane as foundational to experience, emphasizing the need to find meaning in everyday actions.
- Existentialist thinkers consider how confronting the mundane can lead to a deeper understanding of individual purpose.
- Some philosophical discussions suggest that embracing the mundane allows individuals to connect more fully with reality.
Origin of 'mundane'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Latin 'mundanus', meaning 'of the world', which refers to everyday life.
- In Middle English, it evolved to describe things that are worldly as opposed to heavenly or spiritual.
- Originally, it didn't always have a boring connotation; it simply pointed to things found in daily life.
The word 'mundane' originated from the Latin word 'mundanus', which means 'of this world'. It was first used in English in the 15th century to describe things related to the earthly or worldly realm. Over time, 'mundane' has come to signify the ordinary, commonplace, or unremarkable aspects of daily life.