ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery)Word Knowledge (WK)Medium
The senator's speech was full of <b>platitudes</b>, offering no new solutions to the complex problems. What does 'platitudes' refer to?
- AInnovative ideas
- BProfound insights
- COriginal concepts
- DTrite statements
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Trite statements
The phrase 'offering no new solutions to the complex problems' implies that the speech was unoriginal and unhelpful. 'Platitudes' are dull, trite, or obvious remarks, especially ones delivered as if they were fresh or profound, making 'trite statements' the correct answer.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Innovative ideas are the opposite of platitudes.
- B. Profound insights are deep and meaningful, contrasting with platitudes.
- C. Original concepts are new and fresh, unlike platitudes.
Platitude
A remark or statement, especially one with a moral content, that has been used too often to be interesting or thoughtful; a trite or obvious remark.
- Often used to criticize lack of originality or depth.
- Implies a superficial attempt at wisdom.
- Synonyms: cliché, truism, banality, bromide.
Memory trick: Platitudes are 'plain' and 'attitude-less', just boring commonplaces.