B2 noun Literary

bromide

/ˈbroʊ.maɪd/

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 5
1

He 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.

2

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.

3

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.'

Word Family

Noun
bromide
Adverb
bromidically
Adjective
bromidic
Related
bromism
💡

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

1

He tried to comfort her with the old bromide that 'everything happens for a reason,' but it didn't help.

everyday

He tried to comfort her with the old cliché that 'everything happens for a reason,' but it didn't help.

2

The candidate's speech was criticized for being a collection of empty bromides rather than actual policy.

formal

The candidate's speech was criticized for being a collection of empty platitudes rather than actual policy.

3

I'm so sick of these corporate bromides about 'teamwork making the dream work.'

informal

I'm so sick of these corporate clichés about 'teamwork making the dream work.'

4

Scholars argue that the author relies on moral bromides to resolve complex ethical dilemmas in the plot.

academic

Scholars argue that the author relies on moral clichés to resolve complex ethical dilemmas in the plot.

5

During the crisis, the management offered only tired bromides instead of answering the staff's concerns.

business

During the crisis, the management offered only tired platitudes instead of answering the staff's concerns.

Word Family

Noun
bromide
Adverb
bromidically
Adjective
bromidic
Related
bromism

Common Collocations

empty bromide a hollow or meaningless cliché
offer a bromide to provide a trite remark as comfort
tired old bromide an overused and boring expression
rely on bromides to depend on unoriginal ideas
political bromide a standard, unoriginal statement made by a politician

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

bromide vs platitude

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

Countable noun Regular plural: bromides Often used with adjectives like 'empty', 'tired', or 'stale'
🌍

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

Related Words

underpendsion

C1

The foundational support, basis, or underlying framework that provides stability and strength to a structure, theory, or organization. It refers to the core principles or physical elements that justify and hold up a larger system.

uniprivacy

C1

A conceptual term referring to a single, unified standard or framework of privacy protections applied consistently across different platforms, jurisdictions, or systems. It describes the state of having one streamlined set of data rights and security measures rather than fragmented or overlapping policies.

demarery

C1

A formal legal objection that admits the facts of an opponent's argument but denies that they are sufficient to justify a legal claim. It effectively argues that even if everything the opposing party says is true, there is no legal basis for a lawsuit.

translably

C1

The noun translably refers to the quality or degree to which a piece of text, an idea, or an expression can be effectively rendered into another language while preserving its original essence. It is a specialized linguistic term used to assess the feasibility of achieving semantic and cultural equivalence in translation tasks.

obfachood

C1

The state or condition of being deliberately obscure, hidden, or difficult to understand, particularly within a formal or technical system. It refers to the quality of a subject that has been rendered complex to prevent easy access or comprehension.

misdictile

C1

To transcribe or record spoken words incorrectly, especially in a manner that fundamentally alters the intended meaning or technical specifications of the message. It refers specifically to the failure of accuracy during the transition from auditory input to written or repeated output.

obgeotude

C1

The state or quality of being excessively preoccupied with physical location or geographical boundaries. It often refers to a mindset or policy that stubbornly prioritizes local physical presence over digital or global connectivity.

monotegate

C1

To consolidate multiple layers, systems, or categories into a single, unified structure. It is often used in technical or organizational contexts to describe the process of streamlining complex elements for the sake of efficiency or standardization.

autojecthood

C1

To transition a system, process, or entity into a state where it automatically identifies and rejects incompatible or non-compliant elements. It refers to the implementation of autonomous exclusion protocols to maintain system purity or efficiency.

contragratence

C1

A state or quality of being intentionally contrary or ungrateful, specifically characterized by a willful refusal to express gratitude or conform to expected social harmony. In academic or test-specific contexts, it often refers to a behavioral pattern of resisting positive social exchange.

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!

Start learning languages for free

Start Learning Free