What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
banal
Example
The movie was disappointing because the plot was banal and predictable. [banal: adjective]
Example
She gave a banal speech that didn't capture the audience's attention. [banal: adjective]
stale
Example
The bread is stale, so we need to buy a fresh loaf. [stale: adjective]
Example
His jokes are getting stale. He needs to come up with some new material. [stale: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Stale is more commonly used than banal in everyday language. Stale is often used to describe food that has lost its freshness, while banal is less common and is typically used to describe unoriginal ideas or expressions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between banal and stale?
Both banal and stale can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, banal may be slightly more formal due to its association with intellectual discussions or critiques of art and literature.
