platitude

What does “platitude” mean?

noun.a remark or statement, especially one with a moral content, that has been used too often to be interesting or thoughtful.

SAT Usage

this term commonly appears in passages discussing communication, rhetoric, or social commentary, often highlighting the ineffectiveness of overused statements. It emphasizes a lack of originality or depth in expression, distinguishing it from similar words like "cliché," which refers more broadly to any overused idea without the moral or philosophical connotation.

Common Confusions

Platitude implies a moral or philosophical statement that has become uninteresting due to overuse, while cliché usually suggests any overused idea, regardless of its depth or significance.

Example Sentences

• His speech was full of platitudes and offered nothing new.