Banality is a term that is often used to describe something that is unoriginal, predictable, or lacking in originality. It is a word that is often used to describe things that are commonplace, ordinary, or mundane. Banality is a term that is often used in discussions about art, literature, and culture, but it can also be used to describe everyday life.
Definitions
Banality is defined as the state or quality of being banal, which means lacking in originality, freshness, or novelty. It is also defined as something that is trite, predictable, or boring. Banality can also refer to something that is commonplace or unremarkable.
Origin
The word banality comes from the French word banalité, which means “commonplace.” The word banalité comes from the Old French word ban, which means “proclamation” or “decree.” The word ban was used in medieval times to refer to a proclamation made by a king or other authority figure.
Meaning in different dictionaries
In the Oxford English Dictionary, banality is defined as “the fact or condition of being banal; the quality of being unoriginal, commonplace, or trite.” In Merriam-Webster, it is defined as “something that is boring or ordinary; the quality of being banal.” In Dictionary.com, it is defined as “the state or quality of being banal; unoriginality.”
Associations
Banality is often associated with things that are predictable, clichéd, or lacking in creativity. It is often used to describe things that are unremarkable or ordinary. Banality is also associated with conformity and the status quo.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of banality include: triteness, predictability, ordinariness, dullness, monotony, sameness, and cliché.
Antonyms
Some antonyms of banality include: originality, creativity, novelty, freshness, uniqueness, and innovation.
The same root words
There are several other words that are derived from the same root as banality, including: banal, banalize, and banally.
Example Sentences
- The movie was criticized for its banality and lack of originality.
- The art exhibit was full of banal paintings that lacked creativity.
- The book was filled with banal clichés and predictable plot twists.
- The party was a banal affair, with nothing interesting or exciting happening.
- The speech was criticized for its banality and lack of substance.