banal
/ba.nal/
ordinary, unoriginal, or lacking in originality
Cette histoire est tellement banale.
This story is so ordinary.
general
Lacking originality or excitement; ordinary and uninteresting.
Le film était banal et prévisible.
The movie was banal and predictable.
Often used to describe things that are unremarkable or clichéd.
Collocations
une histoire banalean ordinary storyun sujet banala common topic
Pro Tip
Usage Tip
Use 'banal' to describe things that are unoriginal or overly common, often with a negative connotation.
Word Origin
From Old French 'banal,' meaning 'common' or 'belonging to the lord of the manor,' from Late Latin 'banalis,' from 'banus,' meaning 'of the lord.'
Usage Notes
Often used to criticize something as uninspired or lacking depth.
Dictionnaire Français-Anglais