Definition of the word bland

The adjective "bland" has its roots in Old English. The word "blænd" emerged in the 9th century, derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*blentiz," which means "woman" or "feminine." This Proto-Germanic word is thought to be related to the Proto-Indo-European root "*bhel-," which carries the sense of "covering" or "concealing." In Old English, "blænd" initially referred to a feminine woman or a woman's nature. Over time, the meaning shifted to describe something as uninteresting, dull, or lacking flavor. By the 14th century, "bland" had refined its meaning to characterize something as mild, insipid, or lacking in strong qualities. Today, "bland" is used to describe food, people, or ideas that are unremarkable or lacking in distinct characteristics.