bromide
A bromide is a trite, unoriginal, or commonplace remark that is intended to soothe or placate, but is often perceived as boring or annoying. In a historical and scientific context, it also refers to a chemical compound used as a sedative, which led to its figurative meaning of a 'dulling' or 'tiresome' expression.
Exemples
3 sur 5He tried to comfort her with the old bromide that 'everything happens for a reason,' but it didn't help.
He tried to comfort her with the old cliché that 'everything happens for a reason,' but it didn't help.
The candidate's speech was criticized for being a collection of empty bromides rather than actual policy.
The candidate's speech was criticized for being a collection of empty platitudes rather than actual policy.
I'm so sick of these corporate bromides about 'teamwork making the dream work.'
I'm so sick of these corporate clichés about 'teamwork making the dream work.'
Antonymes
Famille de mots
Astuce mémo
Think of 'Bro, I'm bored.' Hearing a bromide makes you want to say 'Bro, I'm bored' because the comment is so predictable and dull.
Quiz rapide
The commencement speaker's address was disappointing because it was full of the same ______ we hear every year.
Correct !
La bonne réponse est : bromides
Exemples
He tried to comfort her with the old bromide that 'everything happens for a reason,' but it didn't help.
everydayHe tried to comfort her with the old cliché that 'everything happens for a reason,' but it didn't help.
The candidate's speech was criticized for being a collection of empty bromides rather than actual policy.
formalThe candidate's speech was criticized for being a collection of empty platitudes rather than actual policy.
I'm so sick of these corporate bromides about 'teamwork making the dream work.'
informalI'm so sick of these corporate clichés about 'teamwork making the dream work.'
Scholars argue that the author relies on moral bromides to resolve complex ethical dilemmas in the plot.
academicScholars argue that the author relies on moral clichés to resolve complex ethical dilemmas in the plot.
During the crisis, the management offered only tired bromides instead of answering the staff's concerns.
businessDuring the crisis, the management offered only tired platitudes instead of answering the staff's concerns.
Antonymes
Famille de mots
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
spouting bromides
continuously saying unoriginal things
comforting bromide
a cliché meant to make someone feel better
nothing but bromides
entirely consisting of unoriginal remarks
Souvent confondu avec
While nearly synonymous, a 'bromide' specifically carries the connotation of being a 'sedative' or boringly soothing remark, whereas a 'platitude' is any dull, overused statement.
Notes d'usage
The word is almost always used pejoratively to describe speech or writing that lacks depth or original thought. It is more common in literary or highly formal academic contexts than in daily conversation.
Erreurs courantes
Learners often mistake 'bromide' for a positive term because it is sometimes used in the context of 'comforting' someone, but it actually implies the comfort is shallow or ineffective.
Astuce mémo
Think of 'Bro, I'm bored.' Hearing a bromide makes you want to say 'Bro, I'm bored' because the comment is so predictable and dull.
Origine du mot
Derived from the chemical potassium bromide, which was widely used as a sedative in the 19th century; the figurative meaning refers to something that has a 'dulling' effect on the mind.
Modèles grammaticaux
Contexte culturel
The term was popularized in the early 20th century by American humorist Gelett Burgess in his essay 'Are You a Bromide?', which categorized people as either creative 'sulfites' or boring 'bromides.'
Quiz rapide
The commencement speaker's address was disappointing because it was full of the same ______ we hear every year.
Correct !
La bonne réponse est : bromides
Vocabulaire associé
Mots lis
complement
A2A thing that completes or brings to perfection something else. In grammar, it refers to a word or phrase that follows a verb and provides more information about the subject or object.
compound
A2Describes something that is made of two or more separate parts or elements joined together. It is often used to talk about words, sentences, or chemical substances that have multiple components.
conceive
A2To form an idea, plan, or concept in the mind. It is also the medical term used to describe when a woman becomes pregnant.
confer
A2To discuss something with other people in order to reach a decision or exchange ideas. It can also mean to officially give an honor, title, or degree to someone.
conform
A2To behave according to rules, standards, or what is expected by a group of people. It means to fit in or act in a way that matches others.
consecutive
A2Following one after another in a continuous series without any breaks. It describes things that happen in a logical order, like numbers (1, 2, 3) or days (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday).
consistency
A2Consistency is the quality of always acting or behaving in the same way. it also describes how thick or smooth a liquid or substance is.
disclude
B1Describing a state where someone or something is left out, omitted, or not allowed to participate in a group or activity. It refers to the condition of being kept apart from a whole or a set.
antiformous
B1Describes a shape or structure that is curved or folded upwards like an arch. It is most often used in geology and geometry to describe a convex surface.
interspect
B1Describing a person who is thoughtful and focused on their own internal thoughts and feelings. It refers to the act of looking inward to examine one's own emotions and motives rather than focusing on external things.
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