rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryblandMild flavor
adjective

bland

BLAND/blænd/

Lacking a strong or distinctive flavor.

The man finds the oatmeal bland and reaches for salt.

A man tastes plain oatmeal with a distinctly unimpressed, flat expression and reaches for salt: mild, visually undistinguished food needing stronger flavor.
Etymology
blandLatinsmooth-talking, flattering

Blandus described flattering, smooth-talking behavior. English bland shifted toward smoothness as mildness or freedom from irritation, connecting it with flavor or character that offers little stimulation.

In context

Food Network115:34
Two teaspoons of salt. Remember, this is the dressing and potatoes are fairly bland, so you want them to have lots of flavor.
Our Favorite Ina Garten Recipe Videos | Barefoot Contessa | Food Network

More examples

  • The room's bland decor gives it little character.
  • He offered a bland explanation that revealed nothing.
  • This sauce is blander than the one we made yesterday.

Forms

bland · blander · blandest

Similar words

insipid
More strongly criticizes a lack of flavor or interest.
mild
Can positively describe restrained flavor without implying dullness.