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.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → trite
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Hackneyed (Adjective): (Of a phrase or idea) lacking significance through having been overused; unoriginal and commonplace.
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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:
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Innovative: Introducing new ideas; original and creative. This is an antonym for hackneyed.
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Shallow: Lacking depth of intellect, emotion, or knowledge.
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Jagged: Having rough, sharp points protruding.