Select the synonym of the underlined word in the following sentence:-

Her speech was filled with such hackneyed expressions that it felt like she was reading from a well-worn script.

trite

The correct answer is Option (2) → trite

• Hackneyed (Adjective): (Of a phrase or idea) lacking significance through having been overused; unoriginal and commonplace.

• Trite (Adjective): (Of a remark, opinion, or idea) overused and consequently of little import; lacking originality or freshness.

Both words describe something that is boring or uninteresting because it is so old and frequently repeated.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect: 

• Innovative: Introducing new ideas; original and creative. This is an antonym for hackneyed.

• Shallow: Lacking depth of intellect, emotion, or knowledge. 

• Jagged: Having rough, sharp points protruding.