Platitude

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈplatɪˌtjuːd/

Definitions

1. A dull or overused remark that lacks originality or genuine insight, often presented as if it were profound or meaningful
2. A banal or trite saying that fails to engage with depth, commonly used in discussions or writings requiring more thoughtful reflection
3. A statement that is clichéd and unoriginal, typically expressed in a manner that suggests significant meaning while actually lacking depth or insight

Etymology: "Platitude" is a French word built on "plat," meaning "flat," and the image behind it is literal: a platitude is a remark with no height, nothing rising above the level ground. French "platitude" carried the sense of flatness, dullness and insipidity, and English borrowed it from there with that same sense of a flat, lifeless utterance. The word's flatness is a good match for what it names. A platitude is not false or rude; it is simply so worn smooth by repetition that it offers no edge or surprise, like a stone polished until nothing is left to grip. The English usage keeps the French sense, so the word has always described talk that has gone flat rather than talk that is wrong.

Synonyms: cliché, banality, truism, sameness, staleness

Antonyms: originality, novelty, innovation, uniqueness, freshness