Pleonasm Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
📚
pleonasm
pleonasm
Definition
language usage
Pleonasm is a linguistic term that refers to the use of more words than necessary to convey meaning. It often involves redundancy, where additional words do not provide extra information or clarity. This can make sentences less concise and may be considered stylistically poor in formal writing.
Synonyms
redundancy, tautology, unnecessary repetition, wordiness.
Examples of usage
- Free gift is a common example of pleonasm.
- He made a brief summary, which is redundant.
- An audible sound clearly illustrates pleonastic usage.
- The end result is unnecessary phrasing.
- They collaborated together, which adds redundancy.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Quick facts about “pleonasm”
Pleonasm is a 1-syllable noun. It is pronounced /ˈpɫiəˌnæzm/. On finesentence.com it has 1 meaning, 4 synonyms, and translations into 21 languages.
Origin of 'pleonasm'
The term 'pleonasm' originates from the Greek word 'pleonasmós', which means 'excess'. It is derived from 'pleonein', meaning 'to be more' or 'to exceed'. The concept has been a part of linguistic studies since ancient times, with scholars examining the impact of redundant expressions on clarity and style. In rhetoric and composition, pleonasm is often discussed in the context of effective communication, as using too many words can detract from the intended message. The concept can be traced back to early Greek literature, where poets sometimes employed pleonasm for emphasis or rhythmic purposes. Over the centuries, the study of pleonasm has evolved, with modern linguists interested in its role in language efficiency and clarity.