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

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 notes

In 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

Word forms

more banal comparative, banaler comparative, most banal superlative, banalest superlative

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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."

Origin: French

Rhymes for banal

anal canal artisanal Guadalcanal

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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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Vocabulary lists that include banal:

Words with French origins