Humdrums

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A state of monotony marked by sameness and lack of excitement
2. a feeling of boredom associated with repetitive and dull activities
3. an atmosphere characterized by tediousness and a distinct absence of thrill

Etymology: "Humdrums" is simply the plural of "humdrum," a noun for an atmosphere of dull, unvarying routine, and it is the plural that the word takes when describing a stretch of such days or a series of tedious episodes. The plural adds nothing new in meaning; it just counts out the dull moments. The base word "humdrum" dates to the 1550s and is thought to be sound-symbolic, possibly a reduplication of "hum." The rhythm of the word mirrors its sense: the drone of a steady, monotonous sound that goes on and on without变化 or interruption. Its origin lies in imitating a sound rather than in a borrowed or inherited root, which is why it sounds so much like its meaning.

Synonyms: monotony, tedium, dullness, banality, routine

Antonyms: excitement, variety, fascination, interest, thrill