The phrase "trite remark" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription /traɪt rɪˈmɑrk/. The first syllable, "trite," is pronounced as "tryt" with a long "i" sound. The second syllable, "remark," is pronounced as "ri-mark" with a short "i" sound. The word "trite" means overused and lacking in originality. A "remark" refers to a spoken or written comment. Together, "trite remark" describes a common or unoriginal statement made in conversation or writing.
A trite remark refers to a statement or comment that has become overly familiar or commonplace due to its repeated usage or lack of originality. It often lacks depth, creativity, or genuine thoughtfulness, resulting in the remark being seen as clichéd or predictable. The term "trite" itself signifies something lacking in freshness, novelty, or ingenuity.
Trite remarks are often characterized by their lack of originality, as they rely on conventional or widely-held opinions or ideas. Such remarks are frequently used in everyday conversations, public discussions, or social settings when individuals wish to express a thought but fall back on hackneyed phrases or expressions. Due to their repetitive and unoriginal nature, trite remarks can evoke feelings of boredom, annoyance, or indifference among listeners or readers.
Although trite remarks are often seen as uninteresting or unremarkable, they can still serve to convey popular or commonly held beliefs, providing a sense of familiarity and agreement among individuals. However, in more critical or intellectual contexts, trite remarks may be considered as lacking in substance or original thought, undermining the quality of the discussion or conversation.
In summary, a trite remark is a statement that has lost its originality and significance through overuse, typically lacking genuine depth or freshness.
The etymology of the word "trite" can be traced back to the Latin word "tritus" which means "worn out", "common", or "old". It evolved from the past participle of the verb "terere", meaning "to rub", "wear down", or "erode". The sense of "trite" as we know it today emerged in English in the mid-16th century, referring to something lacking originality or freshness due to overuse.
The word "remark" has its origins in Old French, derived from the verb "remarquer" which means "to mark again" or "to observe". From "remarquer", it passed into Middle English as "remarken" in the early 15th century, with the meaning "to observe keenly or take notice of".