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Platitudinous: meaning, definitions and examples

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platitudinous

 

[ˌplætɪˈtuːdɪnəs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

in speech or writing

lacking originality or freshness; dull and tiresome

Synonyms

banal, clichéd, commonplace, trite.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
platitudinous

Use this word when describing a statement that is overly used and lacks originality, often feeling insincere or superficial.

  • His speech was filled with platitudinous remarks that failed to inspire the audience
banal

This word is appropriate for describing something that is so ordinary and unremarkable that it becomes boring and uninteresting.

  • The movie's plot was so banal that I lost interest halfway through
trite

This word is used for ideas, expressions, or remarks that have lost their impact and become stale due to excessive use, often with a slightly negative connotation.

  • Her trite comments about hard work did little to motivate the team
clichéd

This word suits situations where an idea, phrase, or element has become predictable and unoriginal due to overuse.

  • The love story was clichéd and offered nothing new or exciting
commonplace

Use this word to refer to something that is very common or frequently encountered, often lacking in novelty or distinction.

  • Smartphones have become commonplace in modern society

Examples of usage

  • His speech was full of platitudinous remarks that failed to inspire the audience.
  • The article was criticized for its platitudinous content that offered nothing new or insightful.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term comes from the French word 'platitude', meaning flatness, which reflects the lack of interest or depth.
  • It was first adopted into the English language in the early 19th century, primarily used in discussions about speech and writing.
  • The prefix 'plat-' suggests something flat or lacking elevation, emphasizing the word's connotation of dullness.

Literature

  • Writers often warn against using platitudinous phrases because they can dilute the impact of powerful messages.
  • In poetry and prose, avoiding overused expressions helps maintain originality and emotional strength.
  • Literary critics highlight that an abundance of platitudes can make characters and dialogue feel insincere.

Psychology

  • Psychologists suggest that resorting to platitudinous language might be a defense mechanism to avoid deep emotional engagement.
  • People may use clichés and generalizations when expressing feelings they struggle to articulate, allowing for safer conversations.
  • Repeated exposure to platitudes can lead to desensitization, causing listeners to overlook potentially important points.

Pop Culture

  • Common phrases like 'At the end of the day' or 'Everything happens for a reason' are often flagged as platitudinous in contemporary dialogues.
  • Movies and television frequently rely on platitudes for character development, but these can sometimes reduce authenticity.
  • Social media is rife with platitudinous quotes, often shared to inspire, yet sometimes failing to resonate due to their overuse.

Communication

  • Effective communication experts advise against using platitudinous statements in speeches or presentations to保持 audience engagement.
  • The repetition of clichés can hinder critical thinking, as audiences might not question the depth of the content being presented.
  • In discussions, a focus on originality can lead to more fruitful exchanges and meaningful connections between people.

Translations

Translations of the word "platitudinous" in other languages:

🇵🇹 plangente

🇮🇳 साधारण

🇩🇪 platt

🇮🇩 klise

🇺🇦 банальний

🇵🇱 banalny

🇯🇵 陳腐な

🇫🇷 plat

🇪🇸 trillado

🇹🇷 banal

🇰🇷 진부한

🇸🇦 مبتذل

🇨🇿 banální

🇸🇰 banálny

🇨🇳 陈腐的

🇸🇮 banalen

🇮🇸 klisjukenndur

🇰🇿 банальды

🇬🇪 ბანალური

🇦🇿 banal

🇲🇽 trillado

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,392, 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.