pleonasm

ple·o·nasm

P p

Transcription

- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- UK Pronunciation
- UK IPA
- [plee-uh-naz-uh m]
- /ˈpli əˌnæz əm/
- /ˈplɪə.næ.zəm/

- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- [plee-uh-naz-uh m]
- /ˈpli əˌnæz əm/

Definitions of pleonasm word

noun pleonasm the use of more words than are necessary to express an idea; redundancy. 1
noun pleonasm an instance of this, as free gift or true fact. 1
noun pleonasm a redundant word or expression. 1
noun Definition of pleonasm in Technology Redundancy of expression; tautology. 1
noun pleonasm the use of more words than necessary or an instance of this, such as a tiny little child 0
noun pleonasm a word or phrase that is superfluous 0

See all 9 definitions of pleonasm

Information block about the term

Origin of pleonasm

First appearance:

before 1580

One of the 35% oldest English words

1580-90; < Late Latin pleonasmus < Greek pleonasmós redundancy, surplus, derivative of pleonázein to be or have more than enough, itself derivative of pleíōn more (see pleo-)

Historical Comparancy

Parts of speech for Pleonasm

noun

adjective

verb

adverb

pronoun

preposition

conjunction

determiner

exclamation

Full grammatical hierarchy of Pleonasm

pleonasm popularity

A pretty common term. Usually people know it’s meaning, but prefer to use a more spread out synonym. About 68% of English native speakers know the meaning and use word.

This word is included in each student's vocabulary. Most likely there is at least one movie with this word in the title.

pleonasm usage trend in Literature

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Synonyms for pleonasm

noun pleonasm

circumlocution — A circumlocution is a way of saying or writing something using more words than are necessary instead of being clear and direct.
discursiveness — passing aimlessly from one subject to another; digressive; rambling.
floridity — reddish; ruddy; rosy: a florid complexion.
indirectness — not in a direct course or path; deviating from a straight line; roundabout: an indirect course in sailing.
logorrhea — pathologically incoherent, repetitious speech.

All 15 Synonyms of pleonasm