What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cliche
Example
Using the phrase 'time will tell' is such a cliche. [cliche: noun]
Example
The movie was full of cliches, with the characters and plot following predictable patterns. [cliches: plural noun]
truism
Example
It's a truism that honesty is the best policy. [truism: noun]
Example
The speaker shared several truisms about success and happiness during the seminar. [truisms: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cliche is more commonly used than truism in everyday language. Cliche is often used to criticize repetitive or unoriginal language, while truism is less common and used to state commonly known facts or principles.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cliche and truism?
Both cliche and truism can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, cliche is more commonly associated with informal or casual language, while truism can be used in a wider range of formality levels.
