inane

[ ih-neyn ]

adjective

1. lacking sense, significance, or ideas; silly:

   inane questions.

   Synonyms: pointless, absurd

2. empty; void.

noun

1. something that is empty or void, especially the void of infinite space.

inane

/ ɪˈneɪn /

adjective

1. senseless, unimaginative, or empty; unintelligent

   inane remarks

Derived Forms

• inˈanely, adverb

Other Words From

• in·anely adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of inane¹

First recorded in 1655–65, inane is from the Latin word inānis

Word History and Origins

Origin of inane¹

C17: from Latin inānis empty

Example Sentences

There’s no law against lying in political ads, but I’m guessing Trump’s inane ramblings about school sex-change operations are too bizarre even for his ad makers.

From Los Angeles Times

The race may boil down to Nevada, and voters like the man I met who is holding his nose and voting for Harris — because she’s not inane.

From Salon

This inane yet genuine question burned in my mind when I sat down to interview Natasha Newman-Thomas, an award-winning costume designer.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr Piccolo's lawyers call Disney's arguments "preposterous" and "inane".

From BBC

California’s emerging about-face will certainly face legal challenges based on the inane Supreme Court precedents of the 1970s.

From Los Angeles Times

When To Use

What are other ways to say inane?

Something inane lacks sense, significance, or ideas. Do you know when to use inane, fatuous, silly, foolish, stupid, and asinine? Find out on Thesaurus.com.