What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hackneyed
Example
The movie's plot was so hackneyed that it was predictable from the start. [hackneyed: adjective]
Example
She rolled her eyes at his hackneyed pick-up line. [hackneyed: adjective]
banal
Example
The speaker's banal remarks failed to inspire the audience. [banal: adjective]
Example
The book was filled with banal observations about life. [banal: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Banal is more commonly used than hackneyed in everyday language. Banal is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while hackneyed is less common and refers specifically to overused phrases or ideas.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hackneyed and banal?
Both hackneyed and banal are relatively formal words that are more likely to be used in writing or formal speech than in casual conversation.
