Platitude vs. Cliche — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 5, 2023
A Platitude is a trite, often unoriginal statement generally intended to be motivational or pacifying. A Cliche is an overused phrase or idea that has lost its originality and impact, such as “It’s raining cats and dogs.”
Difference Between Platitude and Cliche
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Platitude typically comes draped in an aura of moral or philosophical weight. This means that when people use a platitude, they are often trying to convey something profound or virtuous. On the other hand, a cliche might simply be an overused expression that has worn out its welcome in conversational and written language.
In a conversation, a platitude might be invoked to provide comfort or inspiration, though it may ring hollow due to its predictability and lack of originality. Contrarily, cliches are utilized often without a direct intention to inspire or comfort, but rather as a convenient shortcut to express an idea without delving into original thought.
In literary contexts, a platitude might be utilized to portray a character as being somewhat shallow or lacking in original thought. A cliche, however, can be seen as a lazy tool for writers when they deploy overused expressions, characters, or plot devices, detracting from the depth and originality of the writing.
In essence, a platitude often tends to masquerade as a deeper, more meaningful statement than it actually is. A cliche, despite its frequent usage, does not usually pretend to be anything other than what it is - an overused and tired expression that fails to incite the kind of response it may once have garnered.
Comparison Chart
Definition
A trite, moralistic statement.
An overused phrase or idea.
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Intent
To inspire or pacify, albeit shallowly.
To convey an idea with familiar language.
Usage in Writing
Portray lack of depth in a character.
Indicate lack of originality in writing.
Perceived Depth
Pretends to be profound or virtuous.
Recognized as unoriginal and overused.
Example
“Everything happens for a reason.”
“Avoid it like the plague.”
Compare with Definitions
Platitude
A comment that is often used and is therefore not original and not interesting.
Time heals all wounds.
Cliche
An overused phrase or expression.
All’s well that ends well.
Platitude
A superficially profound statement that is free of originality.
Every cloud has a silver lining.
Cliche
A trite, stereotyped expression that conveys a notion with a lack of freshness and originality.
Actions speak louder than words.
Platitude
A commonplace or predictable remark that lacks depth due to its overuse.
Better late than never.
Cliche
A predictable or overused theme, character, or situation in creative work.
The villain dressed all in black.
Platitude
A statement with moral content that is used too often to be interesting or thoughtful.
Hard work always pays off.
Cliche
An idea or phrase that has been overused to the point of losing its original meaning.
The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
Platitude
An uninspiring remark which is intended to soothe or placate.
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.
Cliche
A sentence or phrase, usually expressing a popular or common thought, that has lost originality.
Time will tell.
Platitude
A platitude is a trite, meaningless, or prosaic statement, often used as a thought-terminating cliché, aimed at quelling social, emotional, or cognitive unease. The statement may be true, but its meaning has been lost due to its excessive use.Platitudes have been criticized as giving a false impression of wisdom, making it easy to accept falsehoods: A platitude is even worse than a cliché.
Cliche
A trite or overused expression or idea
"Even while the phrase was degenerating to cliché in ordinary public use ... scholars were giving it increasing attention" (Anthony Brandt).
Platitude
A remark or statement, especially one with a moral content, that has been used too often to be interesting or thoughtful
She began uttering liberal platitudes
Cliche
A person or character whose behavior is predictable or superficial
"There is a young explorer ... who turns out not to be quite the cliche expected" (John Crowley).
Platitude
A trite or banal remark or statement, especially one expressed as if it were original or significant.
Cliche
Usage Problem Clichéd.
Platitude
Lack of originality; triteness
"a passage of platitude which no critical prejudgment can force us to admire" (Edgar Allan Poe).
Cliche
Alternative form of cliché
Platitude
(countable) An often-quoted saying that is supposed to be meaningful but has become unoriginal or hackneyed through overuse; a cliché.
Cliche
Alternative form of cliché
Platitude
(countable) A claim that is trivially true, to the point of being uninteresting.
Cliche
A stereotype plate or any similar reproduction of ornament, or lettering, in relief.
Platitude
(uncountable) Flatness; lack of change, activity, or deviation.
Cliche
A trite or obvious remark.
Platitude
(uncountable) Unoriginality; triteness.
Cliche
A trite or obvious remark
Platitude
The quality or state of being flat, thin, or insipid; flat commonness; triteness; staleness of ideas of language.
To hammer one golden grain of wit into a sheet of infinite platitude.
Platitude
A thought or remark which is flat, dull, trite, or weak; a truism; a commonplace.
Platitude
A trite or obvious remark
Common Curiosities
Is a platitude always negative?
While often seen as negative due to its lack of originality, a platitude can be well-intentioned, especially when trying to comfort or uplift someone.
What is a platitude?
A platitude is a remark or statement that is used frequently but is often considered to be dull, unoriginal, or lacking in thought.
Why are platitudes often criticized?
They're seen as lazy, thoughtless, or insincere because of their overuse.
What's the origin of the word 'platitude'?
It's derived from the French word "plat," meaning "flat."
How is a cliche different from a platitude?
While both are overused expressions, a platitude tends to be a trite or banal statement intended to sound meaningful, whereas a cliche can refer to ideas, situations, or themes as well.
Why are cliches prevalent in media and literature?
They offer a shorthand way to convey ideas or sentiments, and they're easily recognizable to audiences.
Can you give an example of a platitude?
"Everything happens for a reason."
Are all common sayings platitudes?
Not necessarily. A saying becomes a platitude when it's overused to the point of losing its original impact or significance.
How can I avoid using platitudes in my writing?
Aim for originality, be specific in your descriptions, and try to convey genuine emotion rather than relying on overused phrases.
What is a cliche?
A cliche is an idea, phrase, or element that has been overused to the point of losing its original meaning or effect, making it seem predictable or dull.
Can a new expression become a cliche?
Yes, if it becomes overused quickly and loses its novelty, it can be viewed as a cliche.
Are cliches always bad in writing?
While they can indicate a lack of originality, sometimes cliches can be used intentionally for effect or to convey a specific tone.
Can you give an example of a cliche?
"Avoiding something like the plague."
How did the term 'cliche' originate?
It comes from the French word "cliché," which was originally a printer's term for a stereotype or a duplicate printing plate.
How can I avoid cliches in my work?
Continuously challenge yourself to think creatively, be aware of commonly used expressions in your field, and try to approach topics from a fresh perspective.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
