What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
overused
Example
The term 'fake news' has been overused in recent years. [overused: adjective]
Example
I'm tired of hearing the same overused jokes at every party. [overused: adjective]
trite
Example
The movie's plot was predictable and trite. [trite: adjective]
Example
I'm tired of reading trite romance novels with the same storyline. [trite: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Overused is more commonly used than trite in everyday language, as it is a more versatile term that can be applied to a wider range of contexts. Trite is a more specific and formal term that is often used in literary or artistic criticism.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between overused and trite?
Trite is a more formal term than overused, as it is often used in literary or artistic criticism. Overused is a more casual term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts.