truism
Say it: TROO-iz-um /ˈtruːɪz(ə)m/ · noun
What “truism” means
Something obviously true that tells you nothing new.
More precisely: A statement so obviously true that it adds nothing new.
Example: “'Customers want good products' is a truism, not an insight.”
When to use it
When criticising advice or observations that are true but too obvious to provide any useful insight.
Similar words
platitude, cliché, commonplace
Quick check
At a planning meeting, someone announces that finishing the work requires doing the work. Their contribution is…
a truism or a platitude?
Show the answer
a truism
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