platitude

[ plat-i-tood, -tyood ]

noun

1. a flat, dull, or trite remark, especially one uttered as if it were fresh or profound.

   Synonyms: truism, cliché

2. the quality or state of being flat, dull, or trite:

   the platitude of most political oratory.

platitude

/ ˈplætɪˌtjuːd /

noun

1. a trite, dull, or obvious remark or statement; a commonplace
2. staleness or insipidity of thought or language; triteness

Derived Forms

• ˌplatiˈtudinous, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of platitude¹

First recorded in 1805–15; from French: literally, “flatness,” equivalent to plat “flat” ( plate ¹ ) + -itude -tude ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of platitude¹

C19: from French, literally: flatness, from plat flat

Example Sentences

It’s one thing to spout platitudes to a reporter, quite another to do the same in front of Baby Jesus.

From Los Angeles Times

The Conservative leader used her final question to accuse Labour of having "nothing to offer except platitudes".

From BBC

Look carefully at the politicians who offer empty platitudes talking about “mental health,” but who fail to support increased funding for it.

From Salon

That’s why her album avoids the bland platitudes of most superstar DJ projects.

From BBC

The Scottish government needs to understand that council staff need more than platitudes.

From BBC

Related Words

• banality
• bromide