First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
mundane
adjective mun·dane \ˌmən-ˈdān, ˈmən-ˌ\
: dull and ordinary
: relating to ordinary life on earth rather than to spiritual things
Full Definition of MUNDANE
1
: of, relating to, or characteristic of the world
2
: characterized by the practical, transitory, and ordinary : commonplace <the mundane concerns of day-to-day life>
— mun·dane·ly adverb
— mun·dane·ness \-ˈdān-nəs, -ˌdān-\ noun
— mun·dan·i·ty \ˌmən-ˈdā-nə-tē\ noun
See mundane defined for English-language learners
See mundane defined for kids
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Examples of MUNDANE
- On him, a mundane navy blazer looked like an Armani dinner jacket; around him, a dusky locker room became the chandeliered lobby of the Savoy. —Curry Kirkpatrick, ESPN, 19 Mar. 2001
- How did our ancestors pass from the mundane activity of counting to the concept of ‘number’ in the abstract, devoid of any particular collection of objects to label? —John D. Barrow, Pi in the Sky, 1992
- They decided on buttock tattoos, rather than the more mundane engagement ring, because a tattoo is permanent. You can always pawn a ring. —Mike Royko, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 1988
- The day began with the mundane business of getting my white chiffon dress shortened … —Lady Bird Johnson, January 14, 1964, in A White House Diary, 1970
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Origin of MUNDANE
Middle English mondeyne, from Anglo-French mundain, from Late Latin mundanus, from Latin mundus world
Related to MUNDANE
- Synonyms
- everyday, nitty-gritty, prosaic, terrestrial, workaday
- Antonyms
- heavenly, nontemporal, unearthly, unworldly
Synonym Discussion of MUNDANE
earthly, worldly, mundane mean belonging to or characteristic of the earth. earthly often implies a contrast with what is heavenly or spiritual <abandoned earthly concerns and entered a convent>. worldly and mundane both imply a relation to the immediate concerns and activities of human beings, worldly suggesting tangible personal gain or gratification <worldly goods> and mundane suggesting reference to the immediate and practical <a mundane discussion of finances>.
MUNDANE Defined for Kids
mundane
adjective mun·dane \ˌmən-ˈdān, ˈmən-ˌdān\
Definition of MUNDANE for Kids
1
: dull and ordinary <I helped with mundane tasks, like doing dishes.>
2
: relating to ordinary life on earth rather than spiritual things
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