Inane
Lacking sense or meaning; silly, foolish, or pointless.
adjectiveInane
Lacking sense or meaning; silly, foolish, or pointless.
adjectiveImagine This
The insane boy made many foolish jokes in class while the teacher was speaking.
Sounds Like
ih-NAYN
Looks Like
Insane (crazy)
Remember This
Related noun: 'inanity' (meaning silliness or emptiness of ideas). Be careful not to confuse 'inane' with 'insane'.
Other Forms
Connect With
absurdity, silliness, vacuity, nonsensicality, pointless remarks
Note
Inane describes remarks, questions, or ideas that are silly or pointless; it is usually directed at speech rather than at people. Use sparingly in formal writing; it carries a strong negative connotation and can imply a lack of substance.
Study Deeper
- Her inane comments during the meeting wasted everyone's time.
- The comedian's inane jokes failed to amuse the audience.
From Latin inanitas 'emptiness, void', from inanis 'empty'.
Ideas Not Advancing, Not Entertaining (INANE): remember that inane thoughts are empty of substance.
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Anachronism
nounA person, thing, or event placed in the wrong time in a story, artwork, or description; a chronological error or element that seems out of place in history.
Simplicity
nounThe quality of being simple, not elaborate or complicated; the ease with which something can be understood or done.
Jettison
verbTo throw goods overboard to lighten a ship; to discard or abandon something unnecessary.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Absurdity
nounThe quality or state of being wildly unreasonable, illogical, or ridiculous; something that is completely contrary to reason or common sense.
Abstruse
adjectiveDifficult to understand; obscure or highly complex.
Accidental
adjectiveHappening by chance or without deliberate planning; not intended. In music, it is also a noun for a symbol that temporarily alters a pitch.
Acerbic
adjectiveSharp or biting in tone or taste; caustic or mordant in manner.
Acquiescent
adjectiveReady to agree or approve without protest; compliant.
Adamant
adjectiveRigid in opinion or purpose; not willing to change one's mind or position.