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Banality - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Banality refers to something that is dull, unoriginal, or lacking in freshness or novelty. It often describes ideas, remarks, or situations that are overly common or predictable.

banality

/bəˈnæləti/ /bəˈnælɪti/

Definition:

The quality of being unoriginal, boring, or lacking in originality.

Synonyms:

triteness, dullness, predictability, ordinariness

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

originality, creativity

Common Collocations:

sheer banality, escape banality, avoid banality, everyday banality

Derivatives:

banal, banally

Usage Tips:

Use "banality" to describe something overly common or uninspired, often in art or conversation.

Common Phrases:

banality of evil, sheer banality, escape the banality

Etymology:

From French "banalité," meaning commonplace or trivial; derived from "banal" (common).

Examples:

  • 1. The movie's plot was criticized for its banality and lack of fresh ideas.
  • 2. Her speech avoided the banality of clichés and instead offered unique insights.
  • 3. He grew tired of the banality of daily routines and sought adventure.
  • 4. Critics dismissed the artwork as mere banality with no deeper meaning.

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