pleonasm: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2formal, academic, technical (literature, linguistics, rhetoric)
Quick answer
What does “pleonasm” mean?
The use of more words than necessary to express an idea.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The use of more words than necessary to express an idea; redundancy in speech or writing.
In rhetoric, a stylistic device that can be used for emphasis, clarity, or humor. In linguistics, it can refer to grammatical redundancy, such as agreement features. The term is also used in semiotics to describe unnecessary repetition of information.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or usage differences. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Slightly more likely to be encountered in formal British literary criticism; in American academic writing, it may be used more frequently in linguistics and communication studies.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both varieties. It is a specialist term with near-identical usage.
Grammar
How to Use “pleonasm” in a Sentence
to be a pleonasmto commit a pleonasmto contain a pleonasmto use pleonasmto describe as pleonasmVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “pleonasm” in a Sentence
adverb
British English
- He wrote somewhat pleonastically.
American English
- The clause was phrased pleonastically.
adjective
British English
- The phrase was criticised for its pleonastic construction.
- He edited out the pleonastic modifiers.
American English
- The lawyer's pleonastic argument irritated the judge.
- She avoided pleonastic expressions in her report.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. May be used in critiques of verbose communication or marketing copy (e.g., 'The phrase 'future planning' is a pleonasm').
Academic
Common in literary criticism, rhetoric, linguistics, and communication studies to analyse texts and speech.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation. Would be considered highly specialized vocabulary.
Technical
Standard term in rhetoric, stylistics, and descriptive linguistics to label redundant structures.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “pleonasm”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “pleonasm”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pleonasm”
- Misspelling as 'pleonasam' or 'pleonasum'.
- Confusing with 'tautology' (repetition of same idea in different words, e.g., 'free gift') vs. pleonasm (use of unnecessary words, e.g., 'round circle').
- Pronouncing the 'o' as /ɒ/ instead of /ə/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Pleonasm is the use of unnecessary words (e.g., 'free gift'). Tautology is the repetition of the same idea in different words, often creating a logical redundancy (e.g., 'They arrived one after the other in succession'). All tautologies are pleonasms, but not all pleonasms are tautologies.
No. While often criticised for inefficiency, it can be a deliberate rhetorical device for emphasis, clarity, or poetic effect. Examples include 'I saw it with my own eyes' or legal doublets like 'null and void'.
Yes, it's a classic example. 'PIN' stands for 'Personal Identification Number', so 'PIN number' redundantly repeats 'number'. The correct term is simply 'PIN'.
It's a type of pleonasm where an acronym is followed by a word that is already part of the acronym's meaning, like 'ATM machine' (Automated Teller Machine machine) or 'HIV virus' (Human Immunodeficiency Virus virus).
The use of more words than necessary to express an idea.
Pleonasm is usually formal, academic, technical (literature, linguistics, rhetoric) in register.
Pleonasm: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpliː.ə.næz.əm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpliː.ə.næz.əm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's a pleonasm to say...”
- “That's pure pleonasm.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'PLEnty Of Needless Additional Syllables and More' (PLEONASM). Imagine someone using a long, redundant phrase when a short one would do.
Conceptual Metaphor
LANGUAGE IS A VEHICLE / CONTAINER: Pleonasm is EXCESS BAGGAGE or a LEAKY CONTAINER (spilling unnecessary words).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the best example of a pleonasm?