ENGLISH
REFERENCE

vanilla

n.
B1 Intermediate US //vəˈnɪɫə// UK //vɐnˈɪlɐ// vanil·la Informal Slang Vulgar

n. plain, basic, or ordinary. You use this to describe something that has no special features or is the standard version of something.

n. plain, standard, or lacking special features. Informal in register; frequently used to describe software, financial products, or personal preferences that do not deviate from the norm.


SIMPLE

I just bought a plain vanilla laptop with no extra software.

CONTEXTUAL

The company offers a vanilla version of the app for free, but you must pay for the advanced features.

COMPLEX

While the investor sought complex derivatives, his advisor recommended a vanilla bond structure to minimize risk during the volatile market period.

Origin

Borrowed from Spanish vainilla, a diminutive form of vaina (“pod”). "Plain" senses derive from the perceived plainness of vanilla ice cream.

Usage

Typically placed before the noun it modifies. When used in a technical or financial context, it implies a lack of customization.

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