trite
trite
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "trite" is /traɪt/.
Here's a breakdown of the sounds in each syllable:
traɪt
tr: The "tr" sound is a combination of the voiceless alveolar plosive /t/ and the alveolar approximant /r/.
aɪ: The "aɪ" diphthong represents a sound that starts with an open vowel sound similar to "ah" and moves towards a closer vowel sound like "ee".
t: The final sound is the voiceless alveolar plosive /t/.
Word Form Variations
The word "trite" doesn't have plural or singular variations as it's an adjective.
However, it does have related word forms:
Adverb: tritely
Noun: triteness
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Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Trite (adjective)
Definition: Overused and lacking originality or freshness.
Synonyms: commonplace, hackneyed, banal, stale, cliched, boring, dull
Antonyms: original, fresh, novel, innovative, new, exciting
Example: "His trite remarks failed to impress the audience."
Tritely (adverb)
Definition: In a trite manner; lacking originality or freshness.
Synonyms: commonly, hackneyedly, banally, stale
Antonyms: originally, freshly, innovatively
Example: "She spoke tritely about the importance of hard work."
Tritely (noun)
Definition: A trite expression or remark.
Synonyms: cliche, platitude, commonplace saying
Antonyms: original thought, novel idea
Example: "His speech was full of triteness."
Examples of Use
In Literature and Journalism
Books:
"The novel's plot was rather trite, relying heavily on worn-out tropes." (A book review in The New York Times)
Newspapers:
"The politician's speech was filled with trite phrases and empty promises." (An editorial in The Washington Post)
Online Publications:
"The blog post offered a trite take on a well-worn topic." (A comment on a popular tech blog)
In Entertainment
Movies:
A film critic might say, "The movie's dialogue was so trite that it was painful to listen to."
TV Shows:
A TV reviewer could comment, "The show's reliance on trite humor has grown tiresome."
Music:
A music critic might describe a song as having "trite lyrics and a predictable melody."
In General Discourse
Everyday Conversation:
"His response was so trite; I've heard it a thousand times before."
"The love song's lyrics were incredibly trite and cheesy."
Social Media:
"This post is so trite and overused. Can't people come up with something original?"
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10 Famous Quotes Using the term Trite
“It is a trite but true definition that examples work more forcibly on the mind than precepts.”
— Henry Fielding
Fielding emphasizes the enduring power of examples over mere instructions“The trite saying that honesty is the best policy has met with the just criticism that honesty is not policy.”
— Robert E. Lee
Lee critiques the overused adage, suggesting that genuine honesty stems from conviction rather than strategy.“It sounds trite, but only because words make everything true sound trite.”
— Chuck Palahniuk
Palahniuk reflects on how language can diminish the impact of profound truths.“There were some things that were true, and some things that were trite; but what was true was trite, and what was not trite was not true.”
— Arthur Balfour
Balfour comments on the paradox where truths become clichéd through repetition.“I've got passion, and for people who don't, I make them see how trite their lives are.”
— John Singleton
Singleton expresses how his enthusiasm highlights the monotony in others' lives.“It sounds so trite, but in relationships, you have to communicate.”
— Peter Krause
Krause underscores the fundamental importance of communication in relationships, despite the cliché.“As trite as it sounds, I was happiest playing ball.”
— David Duchovny
Duchovny shares his genuine joy in playing sports, acknowledging the cliché.“It sounds like something on a very trite T-shirt, but life is what happens.”
— Nigella Lawson
Lawson comments on the unpredictability of life, even if the expression feels overused.“What is fanaticism today is the fashionable creed tomorrow, and trite as the multiplication table a week after.”
— Wendell Phillips
Phillips observes how radical ideas can quickly become commonplace.“There's nothing trite about being consoled in a world that does everything in its power to deliver sorrow.”
— Jan Karon
Karon asserts the profound value of consolation, even if it seems clichéd.
Etymology
The word "trite" comes from the Latin word "trītus," which means "worn out" or "rubbed smooth." Imagine a coin that's been used so much that its design is worn away. That's kind of like a trite idea or phrase – it's been used so often that it's lost its shine and become boring.
The first known use of "trite" in English was in the mid-1500s. Back then, it was used to describe something that was worn out or overused, just like its Latin root. Over time, the meaning expanded to include ideas and expressions that had become stale and commonplace.
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Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Trite
While "trite" doesn't directly appear in many common phrases or idioms, we can use it to describe overused expressions. Here are some examples:
Clichés: These are overused expressions that have become trite. Examples include "time flies when you're having fun," "easier said than done," and "it's raining cats and dogs."
Platitudes: These are trite remarks, especially one offered as a consolation. For instance, "everything happens for a reason" or "time heals all wounds."
Stock phrases: These are trite phrases used in specific contexts, such as "at the end of the day" or "in the grand scheme of things."
Here are some original phrases using "trite":
"A trite mind, a tired soul."
"Trite thoughts lead to trite actions."
"To avoid the trite, seek the unique."
Remember, while these phrases might not be as common as traditional idioms, they effectively convey the meaning of "trite" and its association with overused expressions.
Posts Related to Trite
Source Information
Definition of trite from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
