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.
Examples
3 of 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.'
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
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.
Quick Quiz
The commencement speaker's address was disappointing because it was full of the same ______ we hear every year.
Correct!
The correct answer is: bromides
Examples
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.
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
spouting bromides
continuously saying unoriginal things
comforting bromide
a cliché meant to make someone feel better
nothing but bromides
entirely consisting of unoriginal remarks
Often Confused With
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.
Usage Notes
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.
Common Mistakes
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.
Memory Tip
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.
Word Origin
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.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
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.'
Quick Quiz
The commencement speaker's address was disappointing because it was full of the same ______ we hear every year.
Correct!
The correct answer is: bromides
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