anodyne Hear it!

anodyne Definition

ano·dyne (anō dīn′, anə-)

adjective

  1. relieving or lessening pain; soothing
  2. lacking zest, vigor, etc.; bland; insipid

Etymology: L anodynus < Gr anōdynos < an-, without + odynē, pain

noun

anything that relieves pain or soothes

anodyne Related Forms
an′o·dynic (-dinik) adjective
anodyne Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • become: It becomes more anodyne, more ordinary, more boring.

Adjective modifier

  • most: What Hoffman has done in " his version " is create the most anodyne and pastoralist interpretation of the play to date.

Modifies a noun

  • stuff: However, in this instance the use of synths and drum machines can't hide the fact that this is incredibly anodyne stuff.
  • interview: Why not give us an interesting fresh take rather than the same old anodyne set interviews?
  • statement: One can also agree that IP regimes must not run counter to public health policies, whatever this anodyne statement may mean in practice.
  • music: The anodyne music was barely audible above the quiet murmur of the clientele.
  • 'debate': The 'bioethicists' nod their sage heads in agreement while the public nod off at the anodyne'debate' staged for their benefit.
  • styling: Not everyone likes the more anodyne styling of these later convertibles, compared with the finely chiseled beauty of the original.

Browse dictionary entries near anodyne

  1. anodize
  2. anode
  3. annus mirabilis
  4. Annunzio
  5. annunciator
  6. annunciation
  7. annunciate
  8. annulus
  9. annulment
  10. annulet
  1. anoint
  2. Anointing of the Sick
  3. anole
  4. anomalistic
  5. anomalous
  6. anomaly
  7. anomie
  8. anon
  9. anonym
  10. anonymity