Jejune

juh-JOON

Definition

(adjective) Naive, simplistic, or lacking in substance or interest.

Example

The essay was well-structured but jejune in its ideas.

Fun Fact

Though it sounds like it should mean “youthful” or “light,” jejune is actually used as a literary insult. Derived from Latin jejunus, meaning “empty of food,” it now refers to writing or arguments that feel starved of insight, originality, or maturity.

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