adj.
Pronunciation: in- ' si-p ə d
Function: adjective
Etymology: French & Late Latin; French insipide, from Late Latin insipidus, from Latin in- + sapidus savory, from sapere to taste ― more at SAGE
Date: 1609
1 : lacking taste or savor : TASTELESS < insipid food>
2 : lacking in qualities that interest, stimulate, or challenge : DULL , FLAT < insipid prose>
– in · si · pid · i · ty \ ˌ in-s ə - ' pi-d ə -t ē \ noun
– in · sip · id · ly \ in- ' si-p ə d-l ē \ adverb
synonyms INSIPID , VAPID , FLAT , JEJUNE , BANAL , INANE mean devoid of qualities that make for spirit and character. INSIPID implies a lack of sufficient taste or savor to please or interest <an insipid romance with platitudes on every page>. VAPID suggests a lack of liveliness, force, or spirit <an exciting story given a vapid treatment>. FLAT applies to things that have lost their sparkle or zest <although well-regarded in its day, the novel now seems flat >. JEJUNE suggests a lack of rewarding or satisfying substance <a jejune and gassy speech>. BANAL stresses the complete absence of freshness, novelty, or immediacy <a banal tale of unrequited love>. INANE implies a lack of any significant or convincing quality <an inane interpretation of the play>.