Word
cliche
/kɫiˈʃeɪ/
Definition
n. an idea, phrase, or story that has been used so many times that it is no longer interesting or original. You use this to describe something that feels boring because it is too predictable.
n. a phrase or opinion that is overused and betrays a lack of original thought. Often used to describe narrative tropes or linguistic expressions that have lost their impact through repetition.
Examples
“The movie was full of every action movie cliche.”
“Starting a speech with 'dictionary defines' is a tired cliche that most audiences find uninspiring.”
“While the plot relies on the standard cliche of the misunderstood hero, the director's visual style provides a fresh perspective that elevates the material above its predictable script.”
Examples
simple
“The movie was full of every action movie cliche.”
contextual
“Starting a speech with 'dictionary defines' is a tired cliche that most audiences find uninspiring.”
complex
“While the plot relies on the standard cliche of the misunderstood hero, the director's visual style provides a fresh perspective that elevates the material above its predictable script.”
Usage
Often used with adjectives like 'tired', 'worn-out', or 'classic'.
Pitfall
It is a very cliche movie.
It is a very clichéd movie.
Learners often use the noun 'cliche' as an adjective; the correct adjective form is 'clichéd'.
Real-World Examples
“Old cliches about being a strong, independent woman and not needing a man aside, it’s clear that Liv already had a fantastic life before she met her former partner, Matthew.” “It’s the oldest recommendation in medicine, repeated so often it’s become a cliche.” Scan code
englishreference.com/q/cliche