Which term relates to the usefulness of an object or idea?

The term that relates to the usefulness of an object or idea is "utility." This word encapsulates the concept of how valuable or functional something is in a practical sense. In various contexts, utility can refer to the degree to which a tool, service, or idea can effectively accomplish a task or fulfill a need. For example, in economics, utility is often associated with the satisfaction or benefit derived from consuming goods or services.

The other choices differ significantly in meaning. "Trite" refers to something that is unoriginal or overused, indicating a lack of freshness or interest rather than usefulness. "Novel" describes something new or original, emphasizing innovation rather than utility. "Mundane" pertains to the ordinary or commonplace, which could imply a lack of excitement or significance rather than direct usefulness. Hence, "utility" is the most accurate term that directly connects to the usefulness of an object or idea.