jejune
UK: dʒɪˈdʒuːn | US: dʒɪˈdʒuːn
adj. lacking interest or significance; dull
adj. (archaic) lacking nourishment; barren or meager
jejune = jej<empty> + une<adjective suffix>
- jej<empty>: From Latin jejunus, meaning "fasting" or "empty" (literally "hungry").
- une<adjective suffix>: A Latin-derived suffix forming adjectives, often indicating a state or quality.
Etymology Origin:
The word jejune originates from Latin jejunus, which initially described physical emptiness (e.g., fasting or hunger). Over time, its meaning expanded metaphorically to describe intellectual or emotional barrenness—something "empty" of substance or interest. The suffix -une (via French -une) solidified its adjectival form in English. The dual sense of "physically meager" and "dull" reflects its historical journey from literal to figurative lack.
The professor dismissed the student's jejune argument as superficial.
The desert landscape was jejune, offering little sustenance or beauty.
Critics panned the film for its jejune dialogue and predictable plot.
His jejune attempts at humor fell flat during the meeting.
The diet was so jejune that participants struggled to maintain energy.