Meaning & Definition of Trite in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: Lacking in originality or freshness; dull on account of overuse.

  Example Sentence: The speech was filled with trite phrases that failed to engage the audience.

• Definition: Commonplace or corny.

  Example Sentence: His trite remarks did not impress anyone at the competition.

Etymology

Origin: From Latin 'tritus', meaning 'worn, rubbed' or 'used up'.

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• trite saying: A phrase that is overused and lacks originality.

Translations

• Spanish: trillado

• French: banal

• German: abgedroschen

• Russian: тривиальный

Related Words

• banal: So lacking in originality as to be obvious and boring.

• cliché: An idea or phrase that has been overused to the point of losing its original meaning.

Slang Meanings of trite

• Meaning: Old news

  Example Sentence: That idea is just old news, nobody cares.

• Meaning: Played out

  Example Sentence: That joke is really played out; I've heard it too many times.