Tautological
adjective
Saying the same thing twice in different words.
The phrase 'free gift' is tautological because gifts are always free.
Often appears as...
- tautological phrase
- tautological definition
Usage tips
Academic
adjective
In logic, a statement that is always true no matter what values you give to its terms.
In logic, 'A or not A' is a tautological statement because it's always true, no matter what A is.
Often appears as...
- tautological proposition
- tautological formula
Usage tips
Academic
adjective
Saying the same thing twice in different words.
The phrase 'free gift' is tautological because gifts are always free.
Often appears as...
- tautological phrase
- tautological definition
Usage tips
Academic
adjective
In logic, a statement that is always true no matter what values you give to its terms.
In logic, 'A or not A' is a tautological statement because it's always true, no matter what A is.
Often appears as...
- tautological proposition
- tautological formula
Usage tips
Academic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Avoid Repetition
Use 'tautological' to critique unnecessary repetition in speech or writing.
His speech was criticized for being tautological as he kept repeating the same ideas.
Pro Tip 2/3Identify Pleonasms
'Tautological' often points out pleonasms, where extra words add no meaning.
Saying 'ATM machine' is tautological because 'M' already stands for 'machine'.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Always Negative
Sometimes 'tautological' phrases can emphasize a point, though often viewed negatively.
She found the repeated 'I do, I do' in his vows endearingly tautological.
Pro Tip 1/3Avoid Repetition
Use 'tautological' to critique unnecessary repetition in speech or writing.
His speech was criticized for being tautological as he kept repeating the same ideas.
Pro Tip 2/3Identify Pleonasms
'Tautological' often points out pleonasms, where extra words add no meaning.
Saying 'ATM machine' is tautological because 'M' already stands for 'machine'.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Always Negative
Sometimes 'tautological' phrases can emphasize a point, though often viewed negatively.
She found the repeated 'I do, I do' in his vows endearingly tautological.
Pro Tip 1/3Avoid Repetition
Use 'tautological' to critique unnecessary repetition in speech or writing.
His speech was criticized for being tautological as he kept repeating the same ideas.
Pro Tip 2/3Identify Pleonasms
'Tautological' often points out pleonasms, where extra words add no meaning.
Saying 'ATM machine' is tautological because 'M' already stands for 'machine'.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Always Negative
Sometimes 'tautological' phrases can emphasize a point, though often viewed negatively.
She found the repeated 'I do, I do' in his vows endearingly tautological.
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