What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
vapid
Example
The movie was so vapid that I fell asleep halfway through. [vapid: adjective]
Example
Her vapid response to the question showed her lack of knowledge on the topic. [vapid: noun]
insipid
Example
The soup was insipid and lacked any seasoning. [insipid: adjective]
Example
The speaker's insipid presentation failed to capture the audience's attention. [insipid: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Insipid is more commonly used than vapid in everyday language. Insipid is often used to describe food or drinks, while vapid is less common and is mainly used to describe conversations or people.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between vapid and insipid?
Both vapid and insipid are formal words that are not commonly used in everyday conversation. However, vapid is more likely to be used in academic or literary contexts due to its negative connotation of being shallow or lacking in intelligence.