Banal
hardNegative tonebuh-NAL
adjective
Definition
So lacking in originality as to be obvious and boring
Memory hook
BAN-al: So boring it should be BANNED from conversation -- utterly unoriginal.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The movie's plot was disappointingly banal and predictable.”
“His banal comments added nothing to the discussion.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The movie's plot was disappointingly ______ and predictable.”
Show answer
banal
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Banal is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "trite" or "hackneyed" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "original".
Related GRE Words
prosaic
Lacking poetic beauty; commonplace or dull
mundane
Lacking interest or excitement; dull; relating to ordinary life
pedestrian
Lacking inspiration or excitement; dull
trite
Lacking originality or freshness; overused and no longer interesting
hackneyed
Lacking significance through having been overused; unoriginal and trite
mediocre
Of only moderate quality; not very good
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