Dictionary.com

inane

[ ih-neyn ]
/ ɪˈneɪn /
Save This Word!
See synonyms for: inane / inanely on Thesaurus.com

adjective
lacking sense, significance, or ideas; silly: inane questions.
noun
something that is empty or void, especially the void of infinite space.
QUIZ
THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?
Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.
Question 1 of 7
In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

Origin of inane

First recorded in 1655–65, inane is from the Latin word inānis

OTHER WORDS FROM inane

in·ane·ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

WHEN TO USE

What are other ways to say inane?

Something inane lacks sense, significance, or ideas. Do you know when to use inane, fatuous, silly, foolish, stupid, and asinine? Find out on Thesaurus.com

How to use inane in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for inane

inane
/ (ɪˈneɪn) /

adjective
senseless, unimaginative, or empty; unintelligentinane remarks

Derived forms of inane

inanely, adverb

Word Origin for inane

C17: from Latin inānis empty
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
FEEDBACK