corniness

/ˈkȯr-nē-nəs/ (ame, mw)

corniness — noun

1. the quality of feeling awkwardly old-fashioned, too sentimental, or trying too h

1.名詞C1
釋義

the quality of feeling awkwardly old-fashioned, too sentimental, or trying too hard to charm people

例句

The film's corniness made the audience laugh during the serious scene.

the film's corniness evaluating a dramatic style

Lakshmi liked the card's corniness because it felt warm and sincere.

card's corniness used for affectionate approval

同義詞
  • cheesiness

    very close in meaning, often slightly more openly mocking

  • hokiness

    stresses a silly, not fully convincing style

  • sentimentality

    focuses more on emotion and less on awkward style

反義詞
  • subtlety

    suggests quiet effect without obvious emotional pushing

  • sophistication

    implies a more polished and stylish effect

用法筆記

Often used for jokes, songs, cards, speeches, or films that feel sweet but not stylish. It usually carries mild criticism, though speakers sometimes use it affectionately when something is sincere in an old-fashioned way.

常見錯誤

❌The room has too much corniness because the walls are yellow.
✅The room feels too cheesy because the walls are yellow.
💡corniness usually judges style, humour, or emotion, not a colour by itself.
❌We bought a corniness gift for the teacher.
✅We bought a corny gift for the teacher.
💡corniness is a noun naming the quality, not an adjective before another noun.