Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Lacking originality or freshness; overused and consequently dull: Describes an idea, phrase, or expression that has been used so frequently it has lost its impact and become boring or uninteresting.
   • Commonplace; hackneyed: Refers to something that is predictable and no longer novel because of excessive repetition.

Usage

• The adjective "trite" is used to critique statements, ideas, or artistic works that are clichéd. It carries a negative connotation, suggesting a lack of thought or creativity.
• It is typically used before a noun (e.g., a trite remark) or after a linking verb like "be," "seem," or "sound" (e.g., The dialogue sounded trite).

Examples

• The movie's plot was predictable and its message was trite.
• He dismissed the advice as a trite saying that offered no real help.
• The greeting card was filled with trite expressions about love and friendship.
• Her speech avoided trite phrases and offered a fresh perspective.

Advanced Usage

• "to sound/ring trite": to seem unoriginal or clichéd upon being heard or considered.
  • I know it might sound trite, but I truly believe kindness can change the world.
• "to descend into triteness": to become unoriginal or clichéd.
  • The novel's final chapter descended into triteness, relying on overused romantic tropes.

Variants and Related Words

• Tritely (adverb): in a trite manner.
  • The sentiment was expressed tritely.
• Triteness (noun): the quality or state of being trite.
  • The triteness of the slogan undermined its intended message.

Synonyms

• Hackneyed: Overused and consequently lacking in significance.
• Clichéd: Showing a lack of originality; based on a cliché.
• Banal: So lacking in originality as to be obvious and boring.
• Platitudinous: (of a remark or statement) Overused and consequently of little import; resembling a platitude.
• Stock: Routine or standard; regularly used and thus not original.

Antonyms

• Original: Present or existing from the beginning; not copied or imitated.
• Fresh: New; not previously known or used.
• Novel: New or unusual in an interesting way.
• Innovative: Featuring new methods; advanced and original.

Idioms and Common Phrases

• "Hard as nails": This is given as an example of a trite metaphor in the reference. It is an idiom meaning very tough or unfeeling, but its overuse has made it a trite expression.
  • Describing the coach as hard as nails is a bit trite.

Adjective

1. repeated too often; overfamiliar through overuse
   • bromidic sermons
   • his remarks were trite and commonplace
   • hackneyed phrases
   • a stock answer
   • repeating threadbare jokes
   • parroting some timeworn axiom
   • the trite metaphor `hard as nails'