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banal

Adjective

IPA /bəˈnɑːl/

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Meaning in plain English

So ordinary and familiar that it seems dull, unoriginal or unlikely to make anyone think in a new way.

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Pronunciation

banal/bəˈnɑːl/

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The same predictable phrases again
A fresh, specific observation

Banal content feels dull and unoriginal because it offers nothing interesting or new.

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The film's banal dialogue made even the funniest actors seem dull.
Her editor asked her to replace the banal opening with a specific scene.

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The film's ________ dialogue made even the funniest actors seem dull.

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banal — So ordinary and familiar that it seems dull, unoriginal or unlikely to make anyone think in a new way.

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So ordinary and familiar that it seems dull, unoriginal or unlikely to make anyone think in a new way.

Compare: The film's banal dialogue made even the funniest actors seem dull.

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Word origin

Borrowed from French banal, related to ban, a proclamation or public summons.

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Banal can describe a conversation, a question or a phrase that offers little of interest.

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