platitude

[ plat-i-tood, -tyood ]
See synonyms for platitude on Thesaurus.com
noun
  1. a flat, dull, or trite remark, especially one uttered as if it were fresh or profound.

  2. the quality or state of being flat, dull, or trite: the platitude of most political oratory.

Origin of platitude

1
First recorded in 1805–15; from French: literally, “flatness,” equivalent to plat “flat” (cf. plate1) + -itude -tude

Other words for platitude

Words that may be confused with platitude

Words Nearby platitude

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use platitude in a sentence

  • His Lordship's sense of humor must a little have failed him, when he penned the platitude of the last few words.

    The Life of Nelson, Vol. I (of 2) | A. T. (Alfred Thayer) Mahan
  • Mr. platitude was filled with wrath, and abused Dissenters in most unmeasured terms.

    Lavengro | George Borrow
  • When I awoke from my reverie the Reverend Mr. platitude was quitting the apartment.

    Lavengro | George Borrow
  • I speak advisedly,” said he, in continuation, “there is one platitude.

    Lavengro | George Borrow

British Dictionary definitions for platitude

platitude

/ (ˈplætɪˌtjuːd) /


noun
  1. a trite, dull, or obvious remark or statement; a commonplace

  2. staleness or insipidity of thought or language; triteness

Origin of platitude

1
C19: from French, literally: flatness, from plat flat

Derived forms of platitude

  • platitudinous, adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012