What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
platitude
Example
The politician's speech was full of platitudes and lacked any real substance. [platitude: noun]
Example
I'm tired of hearing the same old platitudes about hard work and perseverance. [platitudes: plural noun]
banality
Example
The movie was a banal retelling of a tired old story. [banal: adjective]
Example
I was disappointed by the banality of the art exhibit, which featured nothing new or innovative. [banality: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Banality is slightly more common than platitude in everyday language, but both words are relatively uncommon and may be more likely to appear in formal or academic writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between platitude and banality?
Both platitude and banality are considered formal words and may be more appropriate in academic or professional contexts than in casual conversation.
