Is banal formal or informal?

It is common and neutral, often used in academic writing to critique unoriginal ideas.

What's the difference between banal and clichéd?

Use dull, clichéd, or trite; avoid these when you want stronger, fresher language.

Is banal a common word?

Yes, it is common in both spoken and academic English.

Is banal used in business writing?

It is impersonal and critical, suitable for essays and reports.

← Dictionary

banal

/bəˈnɑːl/

IELTSAcademic

adjective

So ordinary or common that they feel dull and unoriginal; unoriginal.

His speech was full of banal slogans.
That joke is too banal for adults.
Stop such banal ideas.

Adinary Nuance

Near-neighbors: 'banal' suits ideas that are stale and overused, whereas 'dull' focuses on low interest. 'Clichéd' is close, but banal stresses repeated cultural sameness more than a simple phrase does.

In other languages

Spanish: Lugar común, cursi
Japanese: ありふれた、的陈腐な
Korean: 흔하고 재미없는
Vietnamese: Sâu lão, thiếu mới mẻ
Chinese: 陈词滥调的，平庸的

Common phrases

banal argumentsbanal remarksso banal

Synonyms

clichéd hackneyed trite stale unoriginal

Related words

cliché dull hackneyed ordinary trite

Frequently asked questions

Is banal formal or informal?: It is common and neutral, often used in academic writing to critique unoriginal ideas.
What's the difference between banal and clichéd?: Use dull, clichéd, or trite; avoid these when you want stronger, fresher language.
Is banal a common word?: Yes, it is common in both spoken and academic English.
Is banal used in business writing?: It is impersonal and critical, suitable for essays and reports.