People resort to platitudes when someone is in pain or trouble for a variety of reasons: They may actually believe in whatever the cliché expresses and share it in the spirit of helpfulness. Or they may not know what to say so they hone in on a platitude, wrongly believing that saying nothing would be worse.
What is an example of a platitude?
Platitude is a remark in speech or writing that is overused and has no originality. An example of platitude is saying “break a leg.” A commonplace, flat, or dull quality, as in speech or writing.
What is a platitude and why should they be avoided?
A platitude (pronounced plat-i-tood) repeats obvious, simple, and easily understood statements that have little meaning or emotional weight. Most writers and speakers aim to avoid platitudes, for fear of accusations of simple-mindedness or oversimplification of complicated subjects.
Is platitude an insult?
A platitude is a trite, meaningless, or prosaic statement, often used as a thought-terminating cliché, aimed at quelling social, emotional, or cognitive unease. … It’s a sanctimonious cliché, a statement that is not only old and overused but often moralistic and imperious. …
Is empty platitude redundant?
They are empty. They are banal. They are what people say when they have no idea what else to say. They are so dumb that the phrase “dumb platitudes” is redundant.
What is the opposite of platitude?
platitude. Antonyms: sophism, laconism, enigma, dictum, oracle. Synonyms: commonplace, generality, truism, triviality.
What are the most annoying platitudes?
What are the most annoying platitudes?
- Be careful what you wish for.
- With great power comes great responsibility.
- Just think about how much worse other people have it.
- God never gives us more than we can bear (see death, misery, history of suffering)
Is thank you a platitude?
A platitude is a pointless, unoriginal, or empty comment or statement (yes, a facial expression is a statement) made as though it was significant. Many comments of gratitude often fall into this category, such as: Thank you!
What is a hollow platitude?
a trite, dull, or obvious remark or statement; a commonplace. staleness or insipidity of thought or language; triteness.
What does moral platitude mean?
noun. A remark or statement, especially one with a moral content, that has been used too often to be interesting or thoughtful.
What are sanctimonious platitudes?
A platitude is a trite, meaningless, or prosaic statement, often used as a thought-terminating cliché, aimed at quelling social, emotional, or cognitive unease. … It’s a sanctimonious cliché, a statement that is not only old and overused but often moralistic and imperious. …
How do you stop platitudes?
Because platitudes reveal a lack of original thought, they are best if avoided or replaced with more original phrases. In order to avoid using platitudes, Identify platitudes. Replace platitudes with more insightful and creative phrases.
What does it mean when a person is pedantic?
Pedantic is an insulting word used to describe someone who annoys others by correcting small errors, caring too much about minor details, or emphasizing their own expertise especially in some narrow or boring subject matter.
How do you use the word platitude in a sentence?
Platitude in a Sentence ?
- Because I have heard your platitude a hundred times, it means nothing to me now.
- The politician ended his speech with a platitude about every man’s right to vote.
- After hearing the salesman’s unoriginal platitude, I decided to go to another car dealer.
What are examples of cliches?
Common Examples of Cliché
- Let’s touch base.
- The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
- Don’t put all of your eggs in one basket.
- I’m like a kid in a candy store.
- I lost track of time.
- Roses are red, violets are blue…
- Time heals all wounds.
- We’re not laughing at you, we’re laughing with you.
What does inanity mean in English?
1 : the quality or state of being inane: such as. a : vapid, pointless, or fatuous character : shallowness. b : lack of substance : emptiness.
What is the synonym of trite?
Some common synonyms of trite are hackneyed, stereotyped, and threadbare. While all these words mean “lacking the freshness that evokes attention or interest,” trite applies to a once effective phrase or idea spoiled from long familiarity.
What is a banal statement?
: something that is boring or ordinary especially : an uninteresting statement : a banal remark. : the quality of being ordinary or banal.
What can I say instead of I suck?
Instead of saying “this sucks”, one could say “shucks!” or “nuts!” This would depend on how much something “sucks”, of course. (colloquial) Exclamatory response to a minor disappointment. Indicates annoyance, anger, or disappointment.
What are overused phrases called?
Most commonly, cliché is used to refer to an expression or phrase that has been overused, especially to the point that it has lost its impact; think outside the box, actions speak louder than words, for all intents and purposes—these are all expressions that are clichés.
What does Sacrimonious mean?
: pretending to be morally better than other people.
What placate means?
: to soothe or mollify especially by concessions : appease.