What does platitudinously mean?
Platitudinously is an adverb that describes language or ideas that are overly obvious or trite. It is often used to describe language or ideas that are intended to be impressive or persuasive but come across as insincere or lacking in depth. The word is derived from the Latin word platitudo, meaning 'flatness' or 'shallowness'. In English, platitudinously is often used to describe language or ideas that are overly familiar or lacking in originality. It can also imply a sense of insincerity or lack of depth. For example, a politician's platitudinously optimistic speech about the economy may fall flat with the audience. Similarly, a writer's use of platitudinously sentimental language may make a poem feel clichéd. Overall, platitudinously is a useful word for describing language or ideas that are overly obvious or trite.
adverbUsed to describe something that is expressed in a way that is overly obvious or trite, often in a way that is intended to be impressive or persuasive but comes across as insincere or lacking in depth.
- First definition or sense of platitudinously
"The politician's platitudinously optimistic speech about the economy fell flat with the audience."
"The politician's platitudinously optimistic speech about the economy fell flat with the audience."
"The writer's use of platitudinously sentimental language made the poem feel clichéd."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of platitudinously
The word platitudinously is derived from the Latin word platitudo, meaning 'flatness' or 'shallowness'. This Latin word is itself derived from the verb platitudo, which means 'to flatten' or 'to make flat'. The word platitudo is thought to be related to the Latin word platys, meaning 'flat' or 'broad'. In English, the word platitudinously has been used since the 17th century to describe language or ideas that are overly obvious or trite.
Usage notes
Platitudinously is often used to describe language or ideas that are overly familiar or lacking in originality. It can also imply a sense of insincerity or lack of depth.