noun
inanity
ih-NAN-ih-tee/ɪˈnænəti/
The quality of being silly or lacking meaningful content.
The spoon-balancing performance amuses the companion with its obvious inanity.
Etymology
Formed from inanis, whose deeper origin is uncertain, inanity names the quality of emptiness. Figurative emptiness or worthlessness developed into a lack of intelligence, giving the sense of foolish talk or behavior.
In context
… the narcissist is the center of this universe of collusion conspiracism and inanity …
More examples
- The joke's inanity is part of its charm.
- She grows tired of the inanities that fill the meeting.
- His long speech is full of inanity but offers no solutions.
Forms
inanity · inanities
inane adjective — Silly or lacking sense and substance.
Similar words
- silliness
- Emphasizes foolish behavior rather than a lack of substance.
- triviality
- Emphasizes lack of importance rather than foolishness or emptiness.
- nonsense
- Refers to senseless words or ideas, not their quality.