platitude
UK[ˈplætɪtjuːd]US[ˈplætɪtuːd]
n
A remark or statement, especially one with a moral content, that has been used too often to be interesting or thoughtful.
n
The quality of being dull, ordinary, or trite.
Morpheme Breakdown
plat
itude
plat
flat
itude
state or condition
Etymology
The word "platitude" entered English from French in the early 19th century. Its core component, "plat," traces back to the Vulgar Latin plattus, meaning "flat," which itself is likely of Greek origin. The suffix "-itude," from Latin -itudo, is used to form abstract nouns indicating a state or quality. Therefore, the literal construction means "the state of being flat." This physical flatness evolved metaphorically to describe ideas or statements that are intellectually flat—lacking depth, originality, or sharpness. Thus, a platitude is a thought that has been flattened through overuse, becoming commonplace and insipid.
Analysis
Structure: plat (flat) + itude (state or condition)
plat: From French, ultimately from Latin plattus meaning "flat, broad." In this word, it functions as a root conveying the sense of flatness.
itude: A suffix from Latin -itudo, forming nouns that denote a state or condition.
Examples
The speaker filled his address with empty platitudes about hard work and perseverance.
I was hoping for a novel insight, but all I got was the usual platitude.
The film's message descended into sentimental platitude by the final act.