platitude etymology

Etymology

  • Latin: plātitūdō, plātitudinis, from plātus, "flat, broad, wide"
  • French: platitude

Meaning and Origin

  • Meaning: A statement or idea that is trite, obvious, or lacking in originality
  • Origin:

The term "platitude" emerged in the early 19th century from the Latin word plātitūdō, meaning "flatness" or "breadth." It was initially used in a literal sense to describe the physical characteristics of something, such as the flatness of a surface.

However, by the mid-19th century, "platitude" began to be used figuratively to refer to ideas or statements that lacked substance or originality. This usage likely stemmed from the perception that such ideas were as flat and uninspiring as a physical surface.

The term "platitude" is often used negatively to criticize ideas that are unoriginal, repetitive, or devoid of any real insight. It can also be used more neutrally to describe statements that are simply commonplace or obvious.

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