Jejune

What is the meaning of this word Jejune?


By Ram, India - 27 Jan 2008


First, let’s deal with the pronunciation. The e in the first syllable is like the i in bit fit and kit and the following syllable is pronounced like the word June. The stress is on the second syllable. The word is mostly used in formal contexts to show disapproval. When you say that someone is jejune, what you mean is that the person is rather childish or unsophisticated. When used with things, the word means uninteresting.

• I’ve been listening to jejune lectures all day.

The word comes from the Latin jejunus meaning fasting or hungry. When it was first used in English, Jejune meant going without food.