platitude

noun

plat·​i·​tude ˈpla-tə-ˌtüd How to pronounce platitude (audio)
-ˌtyüd
1
: the quality or state of being dull or insipid
2
: a banal, trite, or stale remark

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 on the Web Many other actors’ memoirs fall victim to recounting petty anecdotes or leaning on emotional platitudes, but Davis’s solidifies all the good that can come out of a performing career. Fran Hoepfner, The Atlantic, 6 Mar. 2024 Unfortunately, in many organizations, hiring for attitude is merely a platitude. Mark Murphy, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024 And the fact that there will no longer be a major conference based on the West Coast is a humiliation that deserves more than a shrug and empty platitudes about how change is inevitable. Dan Wolken, USA TODAY, 4 Jan. 2024 This isn’t the time for platitudes and promises for the future. Christian Datoc, Washington Examiner, 8 Jan. 2024 That may seem like a catch-all corporate platitude, but Masicka truly does embody the ever-evolving spectrum of Black music. Kyle Denis, Billboard, 8 Dec. 2023 The writing is trite and uses platitudes to explain situations, rather than delving into the emotional experience of the author. Rekha Tenjarla, Washington Post, 8 Jan. 2024 The evening included the usual sweet platitudes about the power and importance of art. Travis M. Andrews, Washington Post, 4 Dec. 2023 The Marvels is an orgy of intersectional Disney/MCU platitudes. Armond White, National Review, 22 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'platitude.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

French, from plat flat, dull

First Known Use

1762, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of platitude was in 1762

Dictionary Entries Near platitude

Cite this Entry

“Platitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/platitude. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

platitude

noun
plat·​i·​tude ˈplat-ə-ˌt(y)üd How to pronounce platitude (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being dull or not stimulating
2
: an obvious, stale, or shallow remark

More from Merriam-Webster on platitude

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