Definition of platitude
1 : the quality or state of being dull or insipid
2 : a banal, trite, or stale remark
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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 of platitude from the Web
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Leave politics and platitudes about saving the planet aside, experts say, because the companies’ positions on the Paris accord boil down to their business interests.
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His life was far more complicated than can be summed up in platitudes or words on a statue.
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Director Steve Tomkins doesn’t minimize the platitudes, but this Village offering is dynamic, solidly performed and polished to a high sheen.
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At one point in Adiós, González notes that the artists were in it for love, not money, and there’s no doubt his statement is not a mere platitude or party line.
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Bombast, political caution, and platitudes are more likely.
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Jane Fonda punching way below her weight and speaking in platitudes scared me.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'platitude'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of platitude
French, from plat flat, dull
First Known Use: 1762
PLATITUDE Defined for English Language Learners
platitude
playDefinition of platitude for English Language Learners
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: a statement that expresses an idea that is not new
Learn More about platitude
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for platitude Spanish Central: Translation of platitude Nglish: Translation of platitude for Spanish speakers
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