trite

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "trite" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as an adjective to describe something that is overused or hackneyed. For example: Her explanation of the problem was far too trite.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It can be easy to seem trite in discussing Shakespeare, but as a basic tenet of the approach was to suggest that Macbeth was a great warrior and that he loves his wife in a profound way.

The Guardian

"It wasn't a conscious thing, but I suppose if I was going to be, you know, unbelievably trite in my analysis of it, it probably does in some sense represent me trying to have some kind of a new start".

The Guardian

When Gerry Goffin first heard Bob Dylan, he was so affected that he binned all of his old tapes and acetates, considering everything he had ever written to be trite and worthless.

The Guardian - Music

The same goes for Orange Is The New Black: trite, self-righteous thunderguff.

The Guardian

No trite little back dramas, no faffing around with wobbly ladders or faulty electrics – just immediate situations and reactions.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Why else include a sentimental copy of his Christ on the Cross by the trite Victorian animal artist Sir Edwin Landseer?

The Guardian - Arts

It may sound trite, but I choose to identify with humanism, which is a values system, rather than feminism, which is a political system.

The Guardian - Opinion

I'd completely forgotten, for example, that the long sequence where Bertie and Logue run through mechanical exercises together ends on an impressively trite note, with Bertie repeating the word "father" over and over again, 10 minutes after a scene in which his dad shouts at him for being a useless stuttering nincompoop.

The Guardian - Film

Giles Oakley London In conception and format, it was trite – while being undeservedly pompous and self-esteeming.

The Guardian

The term "grassroots campaign" is a trite one, but McGowan's bid is certainly built on consensus and is policy-, rathan than personality-, focused.

The Guardian

He caused a stir mostly because it is so rare to hear the scion of the Gandhi family say anything that is not a trite generalisation.Mr Gandhi's welcome action has awkward consequences for Congress.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "trite", ensure that the context clearly indicates a lack of originality or freshness. It is most effective when criticizing overused expressions or ideas.

Common error

Avoid using "trite" as a general insult or without specific examples. Clearly identify what makes the subject matter unoriginal or overused to strengthen your critique.

Linguistic Context

The word "trite" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate a lack of originality or freshness. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, providing numerous examples where "trite" describes expressions, ideas, or artistic works that have become commonplace.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Encyclopedias

6%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "trite" is used to describe something that lacks originality due to overuse, as supported by numerous examples from Ludwig. Its primary function is to criticize or dismiss content as being commonplace and uninspired. While grammatically correct, it's important to use "trite" judiciously, providing clear context and justification for your assessment. While it appears across various source types, its presence in news and media suggests a broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overused

Focuses on the excessive use of something, making it lose its impact.

hackneyed

Emphasizes the staleness and lack of originality of a phrase or idea.

banal

Highlights the ordinariness and lack of depth in a statement or idea.

clichéd

Specifically refers to phrases or ideas that have become predictable and unoriginal.

commonplace

Indicates that something is ordinary and lacks distinction.

unoriginal

Directly points out the lack of novelty or creativity.

stale

Suggests that something has lost its freshness and appeal over time.

worn out

Implies that something has been used so much that it is no longer effective.

stock

Describes something that is standard and lacks individuality.

conventional

Indicates that something adheres to established norms and lacks innovation.

FAQs

How to use "trite" in a sentence?

Use "trite" as an adjective to describe something that is overused and lacks originality. For example, "His argument was full of "trite" expressions".

What can I say instead of "trite"?

You can use alternatives like "hackneyed", "banal", or "clichéd" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say something is "trite" or "unoriginal"?

"Trite" implies that something is not only unoriginal but also has become dull or ineffective through overuse. "Unoriginal" simply means lacking novelty, so the best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "trite" and "mundane"?

"Trite" refers to something that is unoriginal and overused, while "mundane" describes something that is ordinary and lacking excitement. A "trite" expression is one that has lost its impact through repetition, whereas a "mundane" task is simply boring.