Banal

/bəˈnæl/ adjective

Definition

So lacking in originality as to be obvious and boring; predictable and commonplace. Describes ideas, expressions, or situations that are tediously unoriginal.

Etymology

From French 'banal' meaning 'common to all,' originally referring to feudal obligations shared by all tenants. It evolved from describing things that were communally owned to things that were so common they became boring.

Kelly Says

Think 'BANANA-L' - bananas are so common and ordinary that they're banal! Or remember it rhymes with 'canal' - imagine the most boring, ordinary canal with nothing interesting about it.

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