Meaning & Definition of word "Cliche"

Cliche

/kliːˈʃeɪ/

noun:

  • 1. A phrase or opinion that is overused and betrays a lack of original thought.
    • Example: The phrase 'time will tell' is often considered a cliche in conversations about the future.
  • 2. A person or thing that is predictable or unoriginal.
    • Example: His character in the movie was just another cliche, the brooding artist.
  • 3. A repeated or overused idea or theme, particularly in literature or art.
    • Example: The romantic plot was filled with cliches that made it feel unoriginal.

adjective:

  • 1. Describing something that has become tired or stale through overuse.
    • Example: The cliche dialogue made the film less enjoyable.

Etymology

French, originally a printing plate or stereotype.

Common Phrases and Expressions

life is a journey:

A cliche suggesting that life is filled with experiences and lessons.

what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger:

A cliche implying that challenges build resilience.

better safe than sorry:

A cliche emphasizing caution over risk.

Related Words

stereotype:

A widely held but oversimplified idea of a particular type of person or thing.

platitude:

A remark or statement that has been used too often to be interesting or thoughtful.

banality:

The quality of being unoriginal or boring.

Slang Meanings of cliche

Meaning: Used to describe something that is predictable or unoriginal.

Example Sentence: The movie's plot was so cliche that I could guess the ending halfway through.

Meaning: Referring to a person or idea that lacks creativity.

Example Sentence: That design is so cliche, everyone has done it before.