pleonasms
Unnecessary word additions
Pleonasms are expressions that use more words than necessary to convey meaning—redundancies like free gift, advance planning, or ATM machine.
The extra word adds nothing semantically but may add emphasis or rhythm.
Some pleonasms become so conventional that their redundancy goes unnoticed: tuna fish, safe haven, close proximity.
Redundant or circular statement
- repetitionAct of redoing
- superfluityExcessive amount beyond necessity
- prolixityTedious lengthiness in speech
- wordinessExcessive use of language
circumlocution · amplification · overstatement · emphasis · rhetoric · oratory · flourish · elaboration
Complimentary bonus item
- true factAccurate piece of knowledge
- added bonusRedundant phrase for extra
- unexpected surprisePhrase repeating its meaning
- completely finishedFully and totally ended
end result · final outcome · close proximity · foreign imports · ATM machine · PIN number · HIV virus · LCD display
Paired negations in syntax
- modificationAct of altering something
- qualifierWord or phrase limiting meaning
- intensifierSomething that strengthens
tautology
Redundant or circular statement
- repetitionAct of redoing
- superfluityExcessive amount beyond necessity
- prolixityTedious lengthiness in speech
wordiness · circumlocution · amplification · overstatement · emphasis · rhetoric · oratory · flourish · elaboration · embellishment
free gift
Complimentary bonus item
- true factAccurate piece of knowledge
- added bonusRedundant phrase for extra
- unexpected surprisePhrase repeating its meaning
completely finished · end result · final outcome · close proximity · foreign imports · ATM machine · PIN number · HIV virus · LCD display · hot water heater
double negative
Paired negations in syntax
- modificationAct of altering something
- qualifierWord or phrase limiting meaning
- intensifierSomething that strengthens
pleonasmsconcision
Verbal economy, pared down
brevity · terseness · succinctness · economy of words · ellipsis