vapid
/icons/point.icon INSIPID, VAPID, FLAT, JEJUNE, BANAL, INANE mean devoid of qualities that make for spirit and character.
INSIPID implies a lack of sufficient taste or savor to please or interest.
e.g. an insipid romance with platitudes on every page
VAPID suggests a lack of liveliness, force, or spirit.
e.g. an exciting story given a vapid treatment
FLAT applies to things that have lost their sparkle or zest.
e.g. although well-regarded in its day, the novel now seems flat
JEJUNE suggests a lack of rewarding or satisfying substance.
e.g. a jejune and gassy speech
BANAL stresses the complete absence of freshness, novelty, or immediacy.
e.g. a banal tale of unrequited love
INANE implies a lack of any significant or convincing quality.
e.g. an inane interpretation of the play
adjective
offering nothing that is stimulating or challenging:
〈飲み物が〉無味の; 気の抜けた; 〈話･人などが〉生気のない, つまらない, 退屈な
e.g. tuneful but vapid musical comedies.
DERIVATIVES
vapidity |vəˈpidədē| noun
vapidly |ˈvapədlē| adverb
vapidness noun
ORIGIN
mid 17th century (used originally in description of drinks as ‘lacking in flavor’): from Latin vapidus.