trite

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   Often in reference to a word or phrase: used so many times that it is commonplace, or no longer interesting or effective; worn out, hackneyed.

   It is a trite saying in a young country that anyone starting out in life with the determination to become wealthy will have his wish gratified.

2. 2
   adj

   So well established as to be beyond debate: trite law.

   It is trite to say that the mere fact that a decision does not favour the applicant or that the applicant disagrees with the decision does not establish that the decision is tainted with bias.

Simplified etymology

Trite entered English in the mid-16th century from a form of Latin terere, “to rub.” It originally could mean physically worn or frayed, and the modern sense developed from the idea of something worn out through repeated use.

Unadapted borrowing from Latin tritē, from Ancient Greek τρίτη (trítē, literally “third [string]”).

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External links

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• Cambridge Dictionary
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