VocabDictionary

banality

/bəˈnæl.ɪ.ti/advanced Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

The fact or condition of being unoriginal, trite, or lacking in freshness; a commonplace remark or idea.

Example Sentences:
  • He grew weary of the banality of small talk at corporate networking events.
  • The film was criticized for its predictable plot and the sheer banality of its dialogue.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “banality”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the French 'banal', which originally referred to land or equipment held by a feudal lord for the use of his vassals (from the Old French 'ban', meaning a proclamation or summons). Over time, the term evolved to describe things that were common to all, eventually shifting in the 18th century to denote something so common that it is trite, predictable, or lacking in originality.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of 'ban-ality': It is so boring and unoriginal that it should be 'banned' from all conversation.

Frequently Asked Questions About “banality

1. What is the meaning of “banality” in English?

In English, banality (noun) is defined as: “The fact or condition of being unoriginal, trite, or lacking in freshness; a commonplace remark or idea.”.

2. How do you use “banality” in a sentence?

He grew weary of the banality of small talk at corporate networking events.

3. What are English synonyms of “banality”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “banality”?

Derived from the French 'banal', which originally referred to land or equipment held by a feudal lord for the use of his vassals (from the Old French 'ban', meaning a proclamation or summons). Over time, the term evolved to describe things that were common to all, eventually shifting in the 18th century to denote something so common that it is trite, predictable, or lacking in originality.