mundane existence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mundane existence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a life that is ordinary, routine, or lacking in excitement or variety. Example: "After years of living a mundane existence, she decided to take a leap of faith and travel the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

"I think there's something spiritual in a very day-to-day, mundane existence.

The New York Times - Magazine

You cling to anything that will take you away from the drab, mundane existence,' says Cameron.

The Guardian - Arts

In displaying her power, she takes into consideration the accumulated karma of the beings, judging mundane existence as merit and demerit.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In one prevalent view, the very meaning of salvation is emancipation (moksha) from this morass, an escape from the impermanence that is an inherent feature of mundane existence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In The Sacred and the Profane (1959), he identified it with the transcendent reality that "breaks through" in some tangible form within mundane existence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The relentless momentum of mundane existence is stilled by the shutter, and some of the mysteries implicit in everyday life open up.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Alongside the photographs, Clark, who was allowed to converse with but not interview the controlled person, has included hand-written diary entries that set out his subject's mundane everyday existence.

The Guardian - Arts

What a sensation of omnipotence, and how great the gulf between this sublime sensation and ordinary, mundane everyday existence!" He and Ursula had one son, Philip, two daughters, Anna and Sara, and eight grandchildren.

The Guardian - Sport

"Kitaro," which mixes both traditional yokai and those of Mizuki's own invention, stitched together a nation's worth of folktales into a charming world, populated with a menagerie of strange creatures lurking at the periphery of our own mundane existences.

The New Yorker

Although everyone knows one variation or another of the tall tale about the smooth-talking swindler who transforms sensible people with mundane existences into impassioned believers in miracles and magic, Prof. Harold Hill, the "music man" himself, is a song and dance exception.

The New York Times

The music transported us, up and away from our mundane existences as suburban girls into the lands of the Misty Mountain and Kashmir.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mundane existence" when you want to emphasize the ordinary and potentially unfulfilling nature of someone's life. It's suitable for describing a situation lacking in excitement or variety.

Common error

While "mundane existence" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in highly formal writing, as it can sometimes sound overly critical or negative. Consider alternatives like "ordinary life" or "commonplace reality" for a more neutral tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mundane existence" functions as a noun phrase, where "mundane" acts as a descriptive adjective modifying the noun "existence". Ludwig examples confirm that the phrase is commonly used to describe a state of ordinariness or routine.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Encyclopedias

16%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "mundane existence" effectively describes a life characterized by ordinariness and a lack of excitement. As Ludwig highlights, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in News & Media. While generally neutral, it can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation, suggesting dissatisfaction with the routine. Related phrases include "ordinary existence" and "everyday existence". When using "mundane existence", consider the context and audience to ensure the tone aligns with your intended message. In highly formal settings, a more neutral alternative might be preferable. The phrase captures the essence of a life that lacks significant or stimulating events, inviting reflection on the desire for something more.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ordinary existence

Replaces "mundane" with a more common synonym, focusing on the lack of special or unusual qualities.

everyday existence

Emphasizes the routine and commonplace nature of life.

commonplace existence

Highlights the lack of anything remarkable or distinctive.

routine existence

Focuses on the repetitive and predictable aspects of life.

unremarkable existence

Directly states the lack of notable features or events.

uneventful life

Shifts from "existence" to "life", emphasizing the lack of significant happenings.

simple life

Implies a lack of complexity and excitement, though not necessarily negative.

dull life

Focuses on the lack of stimulation and interest.

workaday world

Highlights the common and unremarkable aspects of working life.

secular existence

Relates to non-spiritual or worldly aspects of life.

FAQs

What does "mundane existence" mean?

"Mundane existence" refers to a life that is ordinary, routine, and lacking in excitement or special events. It often implies a sense of boredom or dissatisfaction with the everyday aspects of life.

How can I use "mundane existence" in a sentence?

You can use "mundane existence" to describe a character's dissatisfaction with their ordinary life, for example: "He yearned to escape his "mundane existence" and embark on an adventure."

What are some synonyms for "mundane existence"?

Some synonyms for "mundane existence" include "ordinary existence", "everyday existence", and "commonplace existence".

Is "mundane existence" a formal or informal phrase?

"Mundane existence" is generally considered a neutral phrase. It's appropriate for use in many contexts, but it can sound somewhat critical in very formal writing. In such cases, a more neutral alternative like "ordinary life" may be preferred.