SuaviloquyToday’s word

bland

Bland, a.

Etymology: [L. blandus, of unknown origin.]

1. Mild; soft; gentle; smooth and soothing in manner; suave; as, a bland temper; bland persuasion; a bland sycophant. "Exhilarating vapor bland." Milton.

2. Having soft and soothing qualities; not drastic or irritating; not stimulating; as, a bland oil; a bland diet.

Shades of meaning

Fernald lists bland only as an antonym, under bluff, morose, severe.

He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.

Synonyms

none given