Part of Speech: adjective
Definition: lacking originality, freshness, or novelty; trite; commonplace
Pronunciation (US): buh-nal
Pronunciation (UK): buh-nal
Origin and Usage: The word "banal" comes from the French word "banal" which means "communal." It was first used in English in the mid-19th century to describe something that was commonplace or lacking originality.
Synonyms: trite, clichéd, hackneyed, overused, stale
Related Words: basic, usual, bland, petty, humdrum
Example Sentences: