inane
UK[ɪˈneɪn]US[ɪˈneɪn]
adj
lacking significance, meaning, or point; silly.
Morpheme Breakdown
in
ane
in
not
ane
empty
Etymology
the word 'inane' originates from the latin adjective 'inanis', meaning 'empty, void, worthless'. this latin term is believed to be composed of the negative prefix 'in-' and a root related to emptiness. over time, the physical sense of 'empty' evolved into the figurative meaning of 'empty of substance or intelligence'. entering english in the 17th century, it has consistently described ideas, remarks, or behavior that are senseless, frivolous, or devoid of meaningful content.
Analysis
Structure: in (not) + ane (empty)
in- (latin origin, a prefix meaning 'not' or 'without'); -ane (from latin 'anis', meaning 'empty' or 'void').
Examples
the debate was filled with inane comments that added nothing of value.
i grew tired of the inane chatter on the television show.
he dismissed the proposal as an inane and impractical idea.