Bromide

Noun

Definition: A trite statement or comment that is intended to soothe or placate.

Synonyms: Platitude, Cliché, Banality

Antonyms: Originality, Innovation, Creativity

Examples:
  • She's always offering bromides like "everything happens for a reason."
  • The party politician relied on tired bromides to win over the crowd.
Mnemonics:
  • A bland bromide is meant to put a band-aid on an issue, but lacks depth or originality.
  • Think of "bore-mide" to remember that bromides can be unoriginal and boring.

Etymology:

Origin:

The word "bromide" originated in the mid-19th century from the chemical compound potassium bromide. Initially, bromides were used medicinally to calm the nerves, but the term evolved to convey a sense of dullness or lack of originality in language.

Historical Usage:

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, bromides were often prescribed as sedatives to treat anxiety and insomnia. Over time, the term shifted to describe a trite or unoriginal statement.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Spouting bromides"

Explanation:

Describes someone who frequently and unthinkingly utters clichéd or predictable statements.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Considering bromides solely as calming medications.

Explanation:

Though the term originated from the medicinal use of bromides, it primarily refers to trite or clichéd statements rather than the chemical compound itself.

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