platitude
UK/'plætitju:d/US
IELTSTOEFLGREC2
Definitions
n.
A dull, overused remark or statement that pretends to be meaningful; a cliché.
陈词滥调；老生常谈；套话
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedplat «flat» (like plate) + -itude (state, quality) = «the state of being flat.» A platitude is a flat remark — words with no rise, no edge, no depth, worn smooth by overuse. The same «flat = dull» metaphor we use when we call a joke «flat.»
Root plan still carries 16 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.empty platitude空洞的套话
- 2.spout platitudes大发陈词滥调
- 3.resort to platitudes诉诸套话
- 4.tired platitude令人厌倦的老套说法
Example Sentences
- 1.
His speech was full of empty platitudes about hard work.
- 2.
Instead of real advice, she just offered tired platitudes.