What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cliche
Example
Using the phrase 'it's raining cats and dogs' is such a cliche. [cliche: noun]
Example
The movie had a cliche ending where the hero saves the day. [cliche: adjective]
platitude
Example
He gave us a platitude about hard work being the key to success. [platitude: noun]
Example
Her speech was full of platitudes, but it lacked any real substance. [platitudes: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cliche is more commonly used than platitude in everyday language. Cliche is a versatile term that can be applied to various contexts, while platitude is less common and is primarily used to describe uninteresting or uninspiring statements.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cliche and platitude?
Both cliche and platitude are generally considered informal and casual terms. However, cliche is more widely used and accepted in both formal and informal contexts, while platitude is less commonly used and may be seen as more informal or dismissive.
