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The Vocabulary Builder Workbook of Adjectives

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bland

adjective

/blænd/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of bland

Mild, unexciting, or lacking in distinctive flavor, character, or interest.
"His presentation was full of bland statistics and lacked any excitement."

Detailed meaning of bland

When we characterize something as bland, we emphasize its lack of boldness, spice, or uniqueness. Bland flavors, for example, are often perceived as dull or unseasoned, failing to excite the palate. Similarly, a bland personality or conversation may lack enthusiasm, depth, or engaging qualities, coming across as uninteresting or monotonous. This term conveys a sense of plainness and a lack of stimulating or distinctive qualities, suggesting that the subject does not leave a strong impression or elicit much enthusiasm. Overall, "bland" is associated with a lack of excitement or flavor, whether in the context of food, experiences, or interactions.

Example sentences containing bland

1. The soup was disappointingly bland, lacking any discernible seasoning or flavor.
2. His presentation was so bland and monotonous that it put the entire audience to sleep.
3. The restaurant's decor was bland and uninspiring, with dull colors and generic furniture.
4. The elevator music was a continuous loop of bland, forgettable tunes.
5. Her choice of clothing was bland and unremarkable, lacking any unique style.
6. The movie's plot was so bland and predictable that it failed to engage viewers.

History and etymology of bland

The adjective 'bland' has its etymological origins in the Old English word 'blandan,' which meant 'to mix' or 'to blend.' Originally, it described the act of combining different substances. Over time, the word's meaning evolved to include the notion of something that is mild, unexciting, or lacking in distinctive flavor, character, or interest. This shift in meaning reflects the idea that when different elements are mixed together without strong or distinctive qualities, the result can be perceived as bland. The etymology of 'bland' thus highlights its connection to the blending of elements and the subsequent absence of strong or stimulating characteristics, making it an apt term to describe things that lack excitement or distinctiveness.

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Further usage examples of bland

1. The novel's characters were one-dimensional and bland, lacking depth and complexity.
2. The meeting was filled with bland, generic discussions that didn't lead to any real solutions.
3. The salad dressing was bland and tasteless, failing to enhance the greens.
4. The politician's speech was bland and lacked any inspiring or memorable content.
5. His personality was so bland and unassuming that he easily faded into the background.
6. The artwork in the gallery was criticized for being bland and unoriginal, lacking creativity.
7. The website's design was bland and outdated, making it unappealing to users.
8. The vacation destination turned out to be quite bland, with few interesting attractions.
9. The cityscape was dominated by rows of bland, identical buildings, lacking architectural diversity.
10. The conversation at the party was surprisingly bland and uninteresting, with small talk prevailing.
11. The architecture of the suburban neighborhood was bland and uniform, with cookie-cutter houses.
12. The party's food offerings were bland and uninspired, with a lack of unique flavors.
13. The office decor was bland and sterile, with neutral colors and no personality.
14. The comedian's jokes fell flat, coming across as bland and clichéd, failing to elicit laughter.
15. The bland background music in the restaurant added no atmosphere or charm to the dining experience.
16. The book's plot was so bland and uneventful that it was easily forgettable.
17. The company's marketing campaign was criticized for being bland and forgettable, lacking impact.
18. The hotel's amenities were bland and basic, offering no special features or luxuries.
19. The interview was filled with bland, rehearsed responses, lacking authenticity.
20. The product's packaging was bland and didn't stand out on the shelf, failing to attract customers.
21. The party's entertainment was bland and unmemorable, with no standout performances.
22. The wine was surprisingly bland, with no distinctive flavors or complexity.
23. The suburban neighborhood had a bland, cookie-cutter feel, lacking unique character.
24. The coffee was bland and tasteless, with no discernible aroma or richness.