platitude

[ plat-i-tood, -tyood ]

noun

1. a flat, dull, or trite remark, especially one uttered as if it were fresh or profound.

   Synonyms: truism, cliché

2. the quality or state of being flat, dull, or trite:

   the platitude of most political oratory.

platitude

/ ˈplætɪˌtjuːd /

noun

1. a trite, dull, or obvious remark or statement; a commonplace
2. staleness or insipidity of thought or language; triteness

Derived Forms

• ˌplatiˈtudinous, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of platitude¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of platitude¹

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

Example Sentences

He hardly campaigned, and when he did, he often focused on local issues and spoke in platitudes.

From Washington Post

An argument that peters out or ends in platitudes loses much of its impact.

From MIT Technology Review

Corporate America’s response should go beyond platitudes and simply checking boxes on diversity initiatives.

From Fortune

For those looking to actually enact progress—especially leaders at the organizations where tired, thinly stretched workers dread hearing the next empty platitude—it’s time for a change in vocabulary.

From Quartz

Instead of tone-deaf messages and empty platitudes, enterprises should walk the walk.

From Search Engine Watch

Morning talk shows should be a doddle for a President: softball questions easily answered with a platitude or three.

From The Daily Beast

But how does one square his platitude with the reality of his situation?

From The Daily Beast

The losers may be tempted to embrace the glum platitude that “elections have consequences.”

From The Daily Beast

I thought this was a kind of platitude, but she corrected me.

From The Daily Beast

I doubt if most people, although they would call that a platitude, realize that heredity is anything more than a telling word.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Platitude was filled with wrath, and abused Dissenters in most unmeasured terms.

From Project Gutenberg

When I awoke from my reverie the Reverend Mr. Platitude was quitting the apartment.

From Project Gutenberg

I speak advisedly,” said he, in continuation, “there is one Platitude.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• banality
• bromide