Commonplaces refer to ideas, statements, or expressions that are widely accepted or repeatedly stated, but often lack originality or new insight. These ideas or phrases are so familiar and frequently used that they become predictable and may not offer any fresh perspective. While commonplaces can serve as convenient shorthand or an easy way to communicate well-known truths, they can also be perceived as uninspired or even shallow. Commonplaces can appear in both speech and writing, and while they might be true, their overuse often diminishes their impact. For instance, phrases like “It is what it is” or “Time heals all wounds” are commonplaces because they are heard so often that they lose their emotional depth or intellectual challenge.
Sentences Using “Commonplaces”:
- The teacher’s lecture was full of commonplaces, offering nothing new to the students eager for original ideas.
- The politician’s speech was full of tired commonplaces, leaving the audience disillusioned.
- We shouldn’t rely on commonplaces when discussing such important issues; we need deeper insight.
- Her advice was full of commonplaces like “Everything happens for a reason,” which didn’t feel very helpful.
- The article was criticized for resorting to commonplaces instead of exploring the subject with fresh analysis.
- In the age of innovation, many people are tired of hearing commonplaces and want something new.
- Though his writing is littered with commonplaces, it is still relatable to a wide audience.
- The motivational speaker’s advice was filled with commonplaces, but it still managed to inspire the crowd.
- It’s easy to fall into the trap of using commonplaces when you’re not sure what to say.
- Instead of repeating commonplaces, she chose to bring her own unique perspective to the conversation.
Synonyms for “Commonplaces”:
- Cliché
- Platitude
- Stereotype
- Trite expression
- Overused saying
- Hackneyed idea
- Banal statement
- Familiar idea
- Repetitive phrase
- Everyday thought
Antonyms for “Commonplaces”:
- Original idea
- Fresh perspective
- Novel concept
- Unique insight
- Innovative thought
- Unconventional statement
- Groundbreaking idea
- Creative expression
- New approach
- Uncommon thought
Related Words:
- Trite
- Overused
- Conventional
- Predictable
- Unimaginative
- Redundant
- Repetitive
- Stale
- Uninspired
- Mediocre
Idiomatic Expressions and Usage of “Commonplaces”:
- “The more things change, the more they stay the same” – This saying is a perfect example of a commonplace that captures the cyclical nature of life.
- “Old habits die hard” – A commonplace that expresses the difficulty of breaking familiar patterns, even if they are unproductive.
- “What goes around, comes around” – A phrase that reflects a commonplace view of karma or justice.
- “It is what it is” – A commonly used phrase to acknowledge a situation without offering any deeper solution or analysis.
- “Better late than never” – Another commonly heard phrase that expresses a predictable sentiment about timing.
- “Absence makes the heart grow fonder” – A commonplace idea about relationships, often used to explain feelings of longing or distance.
- “Time flies when you’re having fun” – A cliché that expresses how quickly time passes during enjoyable experiences.
- “Rome wasn’t built in a day” – A trite saying often used to express that important tasks take time, reflecting a commonplace understanding of effort.
- “Life goes on” – A typical response to hardship or loss, offering a commonplace reassurance that everything continues despite difficulties.
- “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” – A well-known phrase that attempts to offer comfort in adversity, though it can feel like a commonplace rather than a deep truth.
Commonplaces are expressions, ideas, or thoughts that are so familiar and widely used that they lose their originality and can seem uninspired. These phrases or notions, though often grounded in truth or widely recognized, lack the freshness that comes from new thinking or creative expression. While they can still resonate with people, their overuse can render them predictable and sometimes hollow. Whether in speech or writing, it’s important to recognize when commonplaces are being relied upon and seek to go beyond them for more meaningful, original, or thought-provoking communication.
