trite

UK: /ˈtraɪt/ US: /traɪt/ ,(trīt)

Inflections of 'trite' (adj):

triter

adj comparative

tritest

adj superlative

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

trite /traɪt/   adj., trit•er, trit•est. 

1. (of a word, phrase, or expression) lacking in freshness because of constant use;
   hackneyed:
   a trite expression.
2. characterized by such hackneyed expressions, etc.:
   a trite speech.

trite•ly, adv. 
trite•ness, n. [uncountable]

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

trite (trīt),  adj., 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.

• Latin trītus worn, common, equivalent. to trī- (variant stem of terere to rub, wear down) + -tus past participle suffix
• 1540–50

trite′ly, adv. 
trite′ness, n. 
Synonyms

• 1. ordinary. See commonplace. 

Antonyms

• 1. original.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

trite / traɪt/ adjective

1. hackneyed; dull

Etymology: 16th Century: from Latin trītus worn down, from terere to rub

ˈtritely adverb

ˈtriteness noun