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Formulaic vs Cliche - What's the difference?

formulaic | cliche |

As an adjective formulaic

is closely following a formula or predictable pattern; imitative, not original.

As a noun cliché is

something, most often a phrase or expression, that is overused or used outside its original context, so that its original impact and meaning are lost. A trite saying; a platitude.

formulaic

English

Adjective

(head)
  • Closely following a formula or predictable pattern; imitative, not original.
    • That TV series has become awfully formulaic in the last couple of seasons.

    Derived terms

    * formulaically

    Related terms

    * formula

    Anagrams

    * *

    cliche

    English

    Alternative forms

    * cliche

    Noun

    (wikipedia cliché) (en noun)
  • Something, most often a phrase or expression, that is overused or used outside its original context, so that its original impact and meaning are lost. A trite saying; a platitude.
    • The villain kidnapping the love interest in a film is a bit of a cliché .
  • (printing) A stereotype (printing plate).

    • Usage notes

    * The alternative spelling .)

    Synonyms

    * platitude * stereotype * See also

    Derived terms

    *

    Anagrams

    * ----