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Definition of inane

inane

/ɪˈneɪn/
in · ane
Adverb:inanely
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inane Lexical Profile

inane Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Lacking sense, significance, or substance; silly or pointless.

Example

"The talk show host kept asking the guests inane questions about their favorite colors instead of discussing their new book."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for inane
Antonyms
View all antonyms for inane

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'inane' (meaning silly, senseless, or lacking substance) with 'insane' (meaning mentally ill or wildly unreasonable).

• Rhymes for inane

• Nearby Words

inadvisable
inadvisably
inalienable
inane
inanely
inanga
inanimate

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the mid-16th century from Latin 'inanis', meaning 'empty, void, or worthless'. Originally used in English to describe physical emptiness or void space, its sense shifted almost entirely to intellectual emptiness or silliness.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Inane. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/inane
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