platitude

noun

plat·​i·​tude ˈpla-tə-ˌtüd How to pronounce platitude (audio)
-ˌtyüd
1
: the quality or state of being dull or insipid
2
: a banal, trite, or stale remark

Examples of platitude in a Sentence

His speech was filled with familiar platitudes about the value of hard work and dedication. “blondes have more fun” is a silly platitude
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The film follows an ensemble of campers who are weary of platitudes about grief, and speak to one another from a place of radical honesty that is by turns heartbreaking and darkly hilarious, embracing irreverent humor as a cathartic means of self-expression. Addie Morfoot, Variety, 19 Mar. 2025 The members simply rounded up the usual suspects of platitudes. Vincent Turley, Hartford Courant, 2 Mar. 2025 And Romero and his curatorial team didn’t really engage with Abramovic beyond cursory platitudes. Kim Córdova, New York Times, 25 Feb. 2025 No matter how appropriate the words are, the communication will feel less like a celebration and more like an inauthentic, low-effort platitude due to the lack of human effort. Andrew Brodsky, TIME, 11 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for platitude

Word History

Etymology

French, from plat flat, dull

First Known Use

1762, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of platitude was in 1762

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Cite this Entry

“Platitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/platitude. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

platitude

noun
plat·​i·​tude ˈplat-ə-ˌt(y)üd How to pronounce platitude (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being dull or not stimulating
2
: an obvious, stale, or shallow remark

More from Merriam-Webster on platitude

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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