Basic Details
Word: Banal
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Something that is very ordinary, dull, or lacking in originality.
Synonyms: Mundane, trite, insipid
Antonyms: Unique, original, novel
Idioms and Phrases
- Banal as a boring book: Used to describe something overwhelmingly uninteresting. Example: "Her presentation was as banal as a boring book, and many people struggled to stay awake."
- Stuck in the banal: To be caught in a routine that lacks excitement or variety. Example: "He felt stuck in the banal, doing the same thing every day without any change."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The film received poor reviews for its banal plot that failed to engage the audience.
Example 2: Her comments during the meeting were so banal that they added little to the discussion.
Example 3: He wanted to escape his banal life and seek adventure in a new country.
Fun Fact
The word "banal" comes from the Old French word "ban", which means "common" or "ordinary". It originally referred to something that was openly available to everyone, such as a shared communication or idea, but it has evolved to mean something unimaginative or dull.
Famous Quote
"It is not enough for a writer to be original; he must be banal." - Jean-Paul Sartre
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "banal" mean?
a) Exciting and unique
b) Very ordinary and dull
c) Beautiful and stunning
d) Complex and intricate
Answer: b) Very ordinary and dull
2. Which of these is a synonym of "banal"?
a) Mundane
b) Brilliant
c) Extraordinary
d) Creative
Answer: a) Mundane
3. What is an antonym of "banal"?
a) Common
b) Unique
c) Ordinary
d) Typical
Answer: b) Unique
4. Which sentence uses "banal" correctly?
a) The novel was praised for its banal characters.
b) The artwork was anything but banal; it was astonishingly vibrant.
c) He found the banal landscape captivating.
d) She enjoyed the banal thrill of the theme park rides.
Answer: a) The novel was praised for its banal characters.
5. What does "stuck in the banal" mean?
a) Experiencing exciting adventures
b) Feeling trapped in a dull routine
c) Feeling joyous and free
d) Finding a new hobby
Answer: b) Feeling trapped in a dull routine
