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clichan overused phrase or idea that has lost its original meaning or effect through repetition

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: an overused phrase or idea that has lost its original meaning or effect through repetition

Pronunciation (IPA): /klɪˈʃeɪ/

Example Sentences

  • His love letters were full of clichés like 'you complete me' and 'love at first sight.'
  • The politician's speech was a collection of political clichés that said nothing new.
  • She rolled her eyes when her dad used the cliché 'money doesn't grow on trees' again.

clich

NOUN

[/klɪˈʃeɪ/]

an overused phrase or idea that has lost its original meaning or effect through repetition

The romance movie ends with the cliche sunset kiss on the beach.
💡 Concept

The romance movie ends with the cliche sunset kiss on the beach.

Another cliché at the café, even her résumé sounds passé!
🎵 Rhyme

Another cliché at the café, even her résumé sounds passé!

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/klɪˈʃeɪ/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈkliːʃeɪ/

🌳Etymology

Rootcliché

Origin

From French cliché, originally a printing term for a metal plate used to reproduce images or text. The word mimicked the 'click' sound made when the plate was pressed onto paper, and came to mean overused expressions that are 'stamped out' repeatedly.

Breakdown

cliché (French onomatopoeia for the 'click' sound of printing plates hitting paper)

🎵Rhyme

caféballetfiancérésumé
café
ballet
fiancé
résumé

🔗Collocations

worn-out cliché
avoid clichés
cliché phrase
become a cliché
tired cliché

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

His love letters were full of clichés like 'you complete me' and 'love at first sight.'

The politician's speech was a collection of political clichés that said nothing new.

😄 Fun example

She rolled her eyes when her dad used the cliché 'money doesn't grow on trees' again.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

stereotypeplatitudebanalitycommonplacetruism

Antonyms

originalitynoveltyinnovation

Related

hackneyedtriteoverusedconventionalpredictable

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