Which word refers to a trite, meaningless statement aimed at quelling social or emotional unease; a cliché?

Which word refers to a trite, meaningless statement aimed at quelling social or emotional unease; a cliché?

• A. Platitude
• B. Truism
• C. Tautology
• D. Veracity

Answer: (A)

A platitude is a shallow, overused remark meant to ease social or emotional discomfort. It’s the kind of cliché people rely on to sound comforting without addressing the real issue, like “everything happens for a reason” or “time heals all wounds.” This fits best because the emphasis is on the dull sameness and lack of depth intended to quiet concern rather than convey new information. By contrast, a truism is a true, obvious statement not necessarily aimed at reassurance; a tautology is a logical redundancy; veracity refers to truth or accuracy.

A platitude is a shallow, overused remark meant to ease social or emotional discomfort. It’s the kind of cliché people rely on to sound comforting without addressing the real issue, like “everything happens for a reason” or “time heals all wounds.” This fits best because the emphasis is on the dull sameness and lack of depth intended to quiet concern rather than convey new information. By contrast, a truism is a true, obvious statement not necessarily aimed at reassurance; a tautology is a logical redundancy; veracity refers to truth or accuracy.