banality
/bəˈnæləti/ (bre, ipa) · /bəˈnæləti/ (ame, ipa) · /bə-ˈna-lə-tē bā- also ba-/ (ame, mw)
banality — noun
- banalitysingular
- banalitiesplural
1. the state or condition of being uninteresting and predictable because something
the state or condition of being uninteresting and predictable because something has been experienced too many times before; also used to refer to a specific dull or clichéd remark, idea, or object
Ananya grew tired of the banality of small talk at every office party.
banality of small talk
The film critic accused the sequel of banality, calling it predictable and dull.
Chidi rolled his eyes at the banality of the motivational poster hanging in the hallway.
Hassan's speech was full of banalities — tired phrases that made the audience lose interest.
The banality of the hotel room — beige walls, plastic plants, generic art — depressed Yuna immediately.
- triteness
Focuses specifically on the quality of being worn out through overuse; more restricted in scope than 'banality'
- dullness
Emphasises the lack of interest or excitement rather than the lack of originality
- platitude
A specific type of banality — a clichéd moralising remark that sounds important but is empty
- commonplaceness
More neutral than 'banality'; suggests ordinariness without the negative judgement
- originality
The quality of being new, fresh, or inventive — the direct opposite of banality
- freshness
Suggests novelty and vitality in creative works or ideas
- novelty
The quality of being new and interesting; less about creative genius and more about unfamiliarity
文法句型
the banality of [noun phrase]
[possessive] + banalities (countable plural)
用法筆記
Often used with 'the' + 'of' to point to something specific (e.g., 'the banality of modern life'). The countable plural form 'banalities' refers to individual trite remarks or clichés rather than the general quality. This word carries a formal or critical tone; in casual conversation, 'corny' or 'cheesy' are more common alternatives.