Definition of blandly

The word "blandly" originated in the 16th century from the Old French word "blans" which meant white or pale. This word, in turn, came from the Latin word "albus" which had the same meaning. In the 16th century, the word "blondly" emerged in English, meaning "in a white or pale manner." Over time, the ending "ly" was replaced with "ly" to create the word "blandly," which maintained its original meaning. "Blandly" is a sapiential word that derives from the Latin word "blandus," which meant innocent or harmless. Its original connotation was this positive one, however, over time the meaning became associated with being uninteresting or unremarkable. Today, the common definition of "blandly" is "in an uninteresting, plain, or dull manner" due to its suffix "-ly," which is used to indicate manner or quality. In literature, the word "blandly" has been used to describe characters or actions as being dull or unexciting. For example, in Shakespeare's play "The Winter's Tale," Leontes describes his friend's speech as "blandly poisoned." This usage emphasizes how the once-innocent word has evolved in meaning over time. In conclusion, the word "blandly" has evolved from its origins in the 16th century, merging the meanings of both innocence and dullness. Today, "blandly" is used to describe activities, people, or ideas that are uninteresting or unexciting.