pleonasm

[ plee-uh-naz-uhm ]

noun

1. the use of more words than are necessary to express an idea; redundancy.
2. an instance of this, as free gift or true fact.
3. a redundant word or expression.

pleonasm

/ ˈpliːəˌnæzəm /

noun

1. the use of more words than necessary or an instance of this, such as a tiny little child
2. a word or phrase that is superfluous

Derived Forms

• ˌpleoˈnastic, adjective
• ˌpleoˈnastically, adverb

Other Words From

• pleo·nastic adjective
• pleo·nasti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of pleonasm¹

First recorded in 1580–90; from Late Latin pleonasmus, from Greek pleonasmós “redundancy, surplus,” derivative of pleonázein “to be or have more than enough,” itself derivative of pleíōn “more”; pleo-

Word History and Origins

Origin of pleonasm¹

C16: from Latin pleonasmus, from Greek pleonasmos excess, from pleonazein to be redundant

Example Sentences

Redundancy or pleonasm is the use of more words than are necessary to express the thought clearly.

From Project Gutenberg

The preceding examples illustrate an apparent paradox, viz., the fact of pleonasm and ellipsis being closely allied.

From Project Gutenberg

Accompany her among her female friends and female enemies (if that is no pleonasm), and look at her!

From Project Gutenberg

We have spoken of "true worship;" the expression is a pleonasm.

From Project Gutenberg

The pleonasm is explained by the divergence of French and ME.

From Project Gutenberg