Platitude
Noun
Definition: A trite or banal statement, typically expressing a moral principle or general truth, that lacks originality or depth.
Synonyms: Cliché, Truism, Commonplace
Antonyms: Originality, Uniqueness, Profundity
- The motivational speaker's speech was filled with platitudes and lacked substance.
- He constantly spouts off platitudes without truly understanding their meaning.
- Think of "plat" as in flat or dull, which connects to the concept of a platitude being a trite statement.
Etymology:
The word "platitude" originated from the French word "plat," meaning "flat" or "dull."
Historical Usage:The term was first recorded in English in the early 19th century and gained popularity as a term used to criticize clichéd or unoriginal expressions.
Related Idioms:
"Spouting platitudes"
Explanation:Refers to someone repetitively expressing trite or banal statements without any meaningful substance.
Misconceptions:
Confusing a platitude with a genuine expression of sentiment.
Explanation:While some statements may seem like platitudes, it is essential to distinguish between shallow clichés and sincere, heartfelt expressions. A platitude is characterized by its lack of originality and depth.