platitude
/ˈplatɪtjuːd/
Group 7Difficulty 2/3
Definition
- (noun)
- A remark or statement that has been used too often to be interesting or thoughtful GRE
Example in Context
The CEO's speech was filled with platitudes about innovation and disruption but offered no concrete strategy for the struggling company.
Synonyms
clichétruismbanality
Etymology
A flat statement — overly used and lacking originality.
- platus (Latin) — flat
Memory Aid
📏Sounds like “platitude”
An old, flat pancake saying the same boring thing over and over — that's a real PLATITUDE!
Visual Association
😴A monotonous speaker droning on about clichés, causing the audience to yawn in unison.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “platitude” mean on the GRE?
platitude (noun) means “A remark or statement that has been used too often to be interesting or thoughtful”. The CEO's speech was filled with platitudes about innovation and disruption but offered no concrete strategy for the struggling company.
How to remember “platitude” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “platitude” sounds like “platitude”. An old, flat pancake saying the same boring thing over and over — that's a real PLATITUDE!
What are synonyms for “platitude”?
Common synonyms: cliché, truism, banality.