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Where does the word "bland" come from? It comes from Latin blandus, and was adopted directly into English (1590s).
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Where does the word "bland" come from? It comes from Latin blandus, and was adopted directly into English (1590s).
Bland’s story begins in Latin: blandus meant “smooth-talking, flattering.” The root of 'blandishment'. It reached English by 1590s as bland. The sense 'dull, tasteless' dates from the 1800s. Today, bland means lacking strong features; tasteless.
- Stage 1 · Latin · ancient blandus "smooth-talking, flattering", the root of 'blandishment'.
- Stage 2 · English · 1590s bland "smooth, mild", the sense 'dull, tasteless' dates from the 1800s.