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Synonyms
trite, hackneyed, stereotyped, threadbare mean lacking the freshness that evokes attention or interest.
trite applies to a once effective phrase or idea spoiled from long familiarity.
hackneyed stresses being worn out by overuse so as to become dull and meaningless.
stereotyped implies falling invariably into the same pattern or form.
threadbare applies to what has been used until its possibilities of interest have been totally exhausted.
Examples of trite in a Sentence
Word History
borrowed from Latin trītus "worn by rubbing, (of clothes) threadbare, (of practices) familiar, common, (of words or expressions) commonly used," from past participle of terere "to rub, grind, wear down," going back to Indo-European *terh1- "rub, bore," whence also Greek teírein "to wear down, exhaust," téretron "auger," Old Church Slavic tĭrǫ, trĭti or trŭti "to rub," Lithuanian tiriù, tìrti "to investigate, find out" (< "wear down with questions"), trinù, trìnti "to rub"
Note: Regarding further connections with Indo-European *terh1- see note at throw entry 1. The past participle trītus and perfect trīvī presuppose *trei̯h1- or *treh1i-. M. de Vaan (Etymological Dictionary of Latin and the Other Italic Languages) suggests an original athematic present *térh1-i- / *trh1-ei̯-. Compare trībulum "threshing board" (see tribulation). Note also Greek trī́bein "to rub, chafe, grind, wear down" (see tribo-).
1548, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near trite
Cite this Entry
“Trite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trite. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
trite
adjectiveMore from Merriam-Webster on trite
Nglish: Translation of trite for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of trite for Arabic Speakers
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