— tritely , adv. — triteness , n.
/truyt/ , adj., triter, tritest .
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.
[ 1540-50; tritus worn, common, equiv. to tri- (var. s. of terere to rub, wear down) + -tus ptp. suffix ]
Syn. 1. ordinary. See commonplace .
Ant. 1. original.