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trite

 - 3 dictionary results

trite

  [trahyt] ,
Use trite in a Sentence
–adjective, trit⋅er, trit⋅est.
1. lacking in freshness or effectiveness because of constant use or excessive repetition; hackneyed; stale: the trite phrases in his letter.
2. characterized by hackneyed expressions, ideas, etc.: The commencement address was trite and endlessly long.
3. Archaic. rubbed or worn by use.
Origin:
1540–50; < L trītus worn, common, equiv. to trī- (var. s. of terere to rub, wear down) + -tus ptp. suffix

Related forms:
tritely, adverb
triteness, noun

Synonyms:
1. ordinary. See commonplace.

Antonyms:
1. original.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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trite   (trīt)   
adj.   trit·er, trit·est

  1. Lacking power to evoke interest through overuse or repetition; hackneyed.

  2. Archaic Frayed or worn out by use.


[Latin trītus, from past participle of terere, to wear out; see terə-1 in Indo-European roots.]
trite'ly adv., trite'ness n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

trite 
1548, from L. tritus "worn, familiar," from pp. of terere "to rub, wear down" (see throw).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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