humdrum
|hum-drum|
B2
/ˈhʌmˌdrʌm/
monotonous
Etymology
Etymology Information
'humdrum' originates from the English word 'hum,' which is an onomatopoeic word for a low, continuous sound, and 'drum,' which refers to a repetitive beat.
Historical Evolution
'humdrum' evolved from the combination of 'hum' and 'drum' in the 16th century to describe something monotonous or repetitive.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it referred to a monotonous sound, but over time it evolved to describe anything that is dull or lacking excitement.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
monotony; routine.
He was tired of the humdrum of daily life.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 1
lacking excitement or variety; dull and monotonous.
The lecture was humdrum and failed to capture the students' attention.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45