Pleonasm

/ˈpliːəˌnæzəm/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The use of more words than necessary to convey meaning; redundancy.

The phrase 'free gift' is a common example of pleonasm.

An instance of pleonasm; an expression that contains redundant words.

When he said 'repeat again,' it was a clear instance of pleonasm.

A stylistic fault in writing or speech that occurs when more words than needed are used.

Her writing was criticized for its pleonasm, making it less effective.

The use of excessive words or phrases that essentially say the same thing.

Describing the committee's decisions as 'joint and collective' is a pleonasm.

From Greek 'pleonasmós', from 'pleonazō' meaning 'to be more than enough'.

free gift

A gift that is given without charge, emphasizing that it is free, which is redundant.

true fact

A fact that is confirmed to be true, where 'true' is unnecessary.

redundancy

The state of being unnecessary or superfluous; the inclusion of more information than needed.

tautology

The redundant repetition of a phrase or idea using different words.

Wordiness

When someone over-explains something, you might say they're being wordy.

Repeatitive speak

In meetings, there's often a lot of repetitive speak that's just pleonasm.