adj
banal
buh-NAHL
Banal (adj) means So common and unoriginal that it is boring. Example: “The movie was full of banal dialogue and predictable twists.”
adj
1
So common and unoriginal that it is boring.
"The movie was full of banal dialogue and predictable twists."
"His speech was full of banal platitudes about teamwork."
How to use banal
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDull and unoriginal because it has been said or done so many times before.
Common mistake
Stress falls on the second syllable (buh-NAL or BAY-nal), not the first.
Common pairings
banal dialogue
banal remark
banal and predictable
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more banal, banaler
- Superlative
- most banal, banalest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The movie was full of _____ dialogue and predictable twists.
Etymology
From French banal, originally describing something "held in common" under feudal service, later shifting to mean "unoriginal" or "commonplace."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for banal
See all rhymes for banal →Frequently asked questions
What does “banal” mean?
The word “banal” means so common and unoriginal that it is boring. In plain terms, dull and unoriginal because it has been said or done so many times before.
How do you pronounce “banal”?
“Banal” is pronounced buh-NAHL (/bəˈnɑːl/ in IPA).
How do you use “banal” in a sentence?
Here is “banal” used in a sentence: “The movie was full of banal dialogue and predictable twists.”
What part of speech is “banal”?
“Banal” is an adjective.
Where does the word “banal” come from?
The word “banal” comes from French. From French banal, originally describing something "held in common" under feudal service, later shifting to mean "unoriginal" or "commonplace.".
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