commonplace

Definition

Ordinary; not having any remarkable characteristics.

Etymology

A calque of Latin locus commūnis, referring to a generally applicable literary passage, itself a calque of Ancient Greek κοινὸς τόπος (koinòs tópos).

Example Sentences

• ""This Mr. Tyrrel," she said, in a tone of authoritative decision, "seems after all a very ordinary sort of person, quite a commonplace man.""
• "In the old days, to my commonplace and unobserving mind, he gave no evidences of genius whatsoever. He never read me any of his manuscripts,[…], and therefore my lack of detection of his promise may in some degree be pardoned."
• "I could get hold of nothing but of some commonplace phrases, those futile phrases that give the measure of our impotence before each other's trials."