Which word describes something that is commonplace and overused; hackneyed?

Which word describes something that is commonplace and overused; hackneyed?

• A. Trite
• B. Propitious
• C. Inveterate
• D. Mea culpa

Answer: (A)

This question asks you to match a word that describes something as commonplace and overused. The best fit is trite, because it specifically means lacking originality or freshness due to repeated use; a trite remark feels predictable and dull because it’s been heard many times. Propitious means favorable or advantageous, so it doesn’t convey repetition or lack of originality. Inveterate describes something deeply established or habitual, which can be persistent but doesn’t inherently imply dullness from overuse. Mea culpa is a personal confession of fault, unrelated to how common or overused something is. So trite captures the sense of being commonplace and overused most precisely, as in a trite saying that’s worn out from too much repetition.

This question asks you to match a word that describes something as commonplace and overused. The best fit is trite, because it specifically means lacking originality or freshness due to repeated use; a trite remark feels predictable and dull because it’s been heard many times. Propitious means favorable or advantageous, so it doesn’t convey repetition or lack of originality. Inveterate describes something deeply established or habitual, which can be persistent but doesn’t inherently imply dullness from overuse. Mea culpa is a personal confession of fault, unrelated to how common or overused something is. So trite captures the sense of being commonplace and overused most precisely, as in a trite saying that’s worn out from too much repetition.