Etymology Map
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Bland

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means lacking strong features; tasteless

Where does the word "bland" come from? It comes from Latin blandus, adopted directly into English (1590s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
blandus
Latin · ancient
"smooth-talking, flattering"
the root of 'blandishment'
2
Stage 2 of 2
bland
English · 1590s
"smooth, mild"
the sense 'dull, tasteless' dates from the 1800s
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Read the full story

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.