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Cliché

Meaning:

A cliché refers to an idea, phrase, or expression that has been overused to the point of losing its original meaning or impact. It can also refer to an action or thought that has become predictable due to its overuse.

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History and Origins:

The term “cliché” originates from French, where it was used to describe the sound made by a printer’s stereotype plate as it was set to print. Over time, it came to represent any expression or idea that had been repeated so often it became dull and uninspiring. The word entered English in the 19th century.

Definitions and Meaning in English:

1. Overused phrase or idea: A statement or concept that is repeated so frequently that it no longer has a meaningful or fresh impact.
2. Predictable or unoriginal idea: Refers to something that lacks originality, often because it has been used so many times before in various contexts.

Detailed Explanation:

A cliché is typically associated with language, where certain expressions or phrases become so familiar through frequent use that they lose their novelty and may even become irritating. For example, sayings like “time heals all wounds” or “better late than never” are considered clichés because they are often repeated without offering new or unique insights. The term can also be used in a broader context to describe anything that has been overly repeated, such as predictable plotlines in movies or predictable behaviors in social situations.

Example Sentences:

1. “The phrase ‘love conquers all’ has become a cliché in romantic movies, as it’s used in almost every storyline.”
2. His speech was filled with so many clichés that it failed to make an impact on the audience.
3. The idea of a hero’s journey is a cliché in many action films.

Synonyms with Short Explanation:

1. Trite: Refers to something that is stale and unoriginal due to overuse.
2. Banal: Describes something that is so dull and predictable it lacks freshness.
3. Hackneyed: Describes an idea or expression that has been used too often, resulting in a loss of originality.

Related Words with Short Explanation:

1. Stereotype: An oversimplified and widely held belief about a particular group or idea, which can also be overused and become a cliché.
2. Platitude: A remark or statement that is trite and overused, often lacking any real depth.
3. Overused: Refers to something that has been used too often and therefore lacks novelty or impact.

More Matches with Short Explanation:

1. Routine: Something done regularly or habitually, which can become predictable or uninteresting, similar to a cliché.
2. Commonplace: Describes something that is ordinary or frequently encountered, to the point of being unremarkable.
3. Predictable: Something that can be easily anticipated because it follows a typical pattern, much like a cliché.

Antonyms:

1. Original: Refers to something new, innovative, and not derived from others.
2. Unique: Describes something that is one-of-a-kind, not repeated or commonly encountered.
3. Fresh: Something that feels new, novel, and not overused or stale.