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The unnecessary repetition of an idea, statement, or word.
synonyms:redundancyrepetition
The word 'tautology' comes from the Greek 'tautologos', meaning 'repeating what is said'. It entered the English language in the late 16th century.
Tautology is often discussed in the context of language, literature, and logic, typically in academic or rhetorical settings.
While not used in everyday conversation, tautology appears in writing and discussions about language and logic.
Saying 'free gift' is a classic example of tautology, since all gifts are inherently free.
In her speech, she committed several tautologies, repeating the same idea in different ways that confused her audience.
The phrase 'ATM machine' is redundant, as the 'M' already stands for 'machine', making it a tautology.
Tautology is like that friend who can't help but repeat themselves for emphasis, often to the point of confusion! Originating from Greek, this term has found its way into discussions about language, where it highlights redundancies that can clutter communication. While it may not pop up in casual chats, understanding tautology can sharpen your writing and speaking skills. The next time you catch yourself saying something like 'each and every', you'll know you’ve stumbled upon a tautological treasure!