What does "trite" mean?
A denomination of coinage in ancient Greece equivalent to one third of a stater.
Trite
/tɹaɪt/ adj, noun
adj, noun ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A denomination of coinage in ancient Greece equivalent to one third of a stater.
- Grammar: trite is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: banal, hackneyed, airy, asinine.
- Useful contrasts: fresh, innovative, inventive.
- Usage evidence: The "twin tiger cubs get separated ..." story felt a bit trite.
How to use "trite"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "trite" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "trite" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "trite" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "trite" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "trite" is acting as adj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "banal" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "trite", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A denomination of coinage in ancient Greece equivalent to one third of a stater.
- 2 In Ancient Greek musical theory, the lower-pitched of the two movable notes in the farther tetrachord on a lyre, pitched lower than the paranete and higher than the paramese.
Adjective
- 1 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 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."
Adjective
- 1 repeated too often; overfamiliar through overuse wordnet
Antonyms
Example
"The "twin tiger cubs get separated ..." story felt a bit trite."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "trite"?
Common synonyms include: banal, hackneyed, airy, asinine, automatic, back number.
How do you use "trite" in a sentence?
The "twin tiger cubs get separated ..." story felt a bit trite.
How do you pronounce "trite"?
Pronounced /tɹaɪt/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Latin trītus (“worn out”), perfect passive participle of terō (“I wear away, wear out”).
Etymology 2
Unadapted borrowing from Latin tritē, from Ancient Greek τρίτη (trítē, literally “third [string]”).