commonplace
UK: ˈkɒmənpleɪs | US: ˈkɑːmənpleɪs
adj. ordinary, unremarkable
n. a trite or obvious remark; a cliché
The word "commonplace" originated in the mid-16th century, combining "common" (from Latin communis, meaning "shared" or "general") and "place" (from Latin platea, meaning "broad street" or "space"). Originally, it referred to a "general topic" or "memorandum," but by the 18th century, it evolved to describe something unoriginal or mundane, reflecting its literal sense of being "common in place." The shift highlights how language mirrors societal views—what is widely shared often loses uniqueness.
His speech was full of tired commonplaces.
The design was functional but utterly commonplace.
She dismissed the idea as a mere commonplace.
Technology once revolutionary is now commonplace.
The book turns philosophical commonplaces into profound insights.