Pleonastic
/ˌpliːəˈnæstɪk/adjective
Using more words than necessary to express an idea.
The phrase 'I saw it with my own eyes' is pleonastic because simply saying 'I saw it' is enough.
Often appears as...
- pleonastic expression
- pleonastic phrase
Usage tips
Academic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Common Mistakes
Watch for overusing pleonastic phrases which can make writing seem cluttered.
Avoid saying 'each and every one' when 'everyone' is clear and concise.
Pro Tip 2/3Written Clarity
In academic contexts, being concise is preferred over pleonastic writing.
Instead of saying 'due to the fact that,' use 'because.'
Pro Tip 3/3Spoken vs. Written
Pleonastic expressions may be more acceptable in casual spoken language but less so in writing.
I got up at 7 a.m. in the morning.
Compare with
excessiveextravagantprolixredundantrepetitivesuperfluoustautologicalwordy
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