Tautology
noun
Saying the same thing twice in different words, which is unnecessary.
Saying 'free gift' is a tautology, because gifts are always free
Often appears as...
- redundant tautology
- unnecessary tautology
noun
In logic, a statement that is true in all possible interpretations.
'If it rains or if it does not rain' is a tautology because both cannot be false at the same time
Often appears as...
- logical tautology
- formal tautology
Usage tips
Academic
noun
In rhetoric, a phrase or expression in which the same idea is said twice in different words.
The phrase 'each and every' is a tautology because both words mean the same thing
Often appears as...
- rhetorical tautology
- linguistic tautology
Usage tips
Academic
noun
Saying the same thing twice in different words, which is unnecessary.
Saying 'free gift' is a tautology, because gifts are always free
Often appears as...
- redundant tautology
- unnecessary tautology
noun
In logic, a statement that is true in all possible interpretations.
'If it rains or if it does not rain' is a tautology because both cannot be false at the same time
Often appears as...
- logical tautology
- formal tautology
Usage tips
Academic
noun
In rhetoric, a phrase or expression in which the same idea is said twice in different words.
The phrase 'each and every' is a tautology because both words mean the same thing
Often appears as...
- rhetorical tautology
- linguistic tautology
Usage tips
Academic
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Avoid Redundancy
Use 'tautology' to spot unnecessary repetition in language, making your communication more effective.
Avoid saying 'ATM machine' to escape the tautology, as 'M' already stands for machine.
Pro Tip 2/3Simplify Messages
Recognizing tautologies helps you simplify your message and avoid overcomplicating ideas.
Instead of 'big giant,' just say 'giant' to avoid tautology.
Pro Tip 3/3Increase Clarity
Eliminate tautologies for clearer and more concise communication.
She described it as a 'true fact,' which is a tautology; 'fact' is sufficient.
Pro Tip 1/3Avoid Redundancy
Use 'tautology' to spot unnecessary repetition in language, making your communication more effective.
Avoid saying 'ATM machine' to escape the tautology, as 'M' already stands for machine.
Pro Tip 2/3Simplify Messages
Recognizing tautologies helps you simplify your message and avoid overcomplicating ideas.
Instead of 'big giant,' just say 'giant' to avoid tautology.
Pro Tip 3/3Increase Clarity
Eliminate tautologies for clearer and more concise communication.
She described it as a 'true fact,' which is a tautology; 'fact' is sufficient.
Pro Tip 1/3Avoid Redundancy
Use 'tautology' to spot unnecessary repetition in language, making your communication more effective.
Avoid saying 'ATM machine' to escape the tautology, as 'M' already stands for machine.
Pro Tip 2/3Simplify Messages
Recognizing tautologies helps you simplify your message and avoid overcomplicating ideas.
Instead of 'big giant,' just say 'giant' to avoid tautology.
Pro Tip 3/3Increase Clarity
Eliminate tautologies for clearer and more concise communication.
She described it as a 'true fact,' which is a tautology; 'fact' is sufficient.
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Quote examples
Eileen Pollack
American Novelist
I think women need to hear more encouragement in any field, because I see it - I teach creative writing. And even though it's mostly women in the room, they're not often - or they didn't used to be the ones who went on to publish books. I know this sounds like a tautology, but encouragement is the key.
Quote examples
Will Self
English Author
I don't think in terms of that bizarre tautology 'value for money' in my literary and journalistic work - and nor will I in my academic role. However, if I don't believe I'm helping my students towards a fuller and more empowering relationship with the world, then I'll resign.
Quote examples
Hope Jahren
American Scientist
What is a berry? It is an ovary swaddled within a sugary womb. Plainly put, a berry is the fruition of a flower - the ultimate tautology.
Quote examples
Peter Carey
Australian Novelist
My mother was the daughter of a poor schoolteacher - well, that's a tautology - a country schoolteacher.
Quote examples
Theodor W. Adorno
German Philosopher
Once the last trace of emotion has been eradicated, nothing remains of thought but absolute tautology.
Quote examples
Herbert A. Simon
American Economist
All correct reasoning is a grand system of tautologies, but only God can make direct use of that fact.
Quote examples
Ludwig Wittgenstein
Austrian Philosopher
Propositions show what they say: tautologies and contradictions show that they say nothing.
Quote examples
Eileen Pollack
American Novelist
I think women need to hear more encouragement in any field, because I see it - I teach creative writing. And even though it's mostly women in the room, they're not often - or they didn't used to be the ones who went on to publish books. I know this sounds like a tautology, but encouragement is the key.
Quote examples
Will Self
English Author
I don't think in terms of that bizarre tautology 'value for money' in my literary and journalistic work - and nor will I in my academic role. However, if I don't believe I'm helping my students towards a fuller and more empowering relationship with the world, then I'll resign.
Quote examples
Hope Jahren
American Scientist
What is a berry? It is an ovary swaddled within a sugary womb. Plainly put, a berry is the fruition of a flower - the ultimate tautology.
Quote examples
Peter Carey
Australian Novelist
My mother was the daughter of a poor schoolteacher - well, that's a tautology - a country schoolteacher.
Quote examples
Theodor W. Adorno
German Philosopher
Once the last trace of emotion has been eradicated, nothing remains of thought but absolute tautology.
Quote examples
Herbert A. Simon
American Economist
All correct reasoning is a grand system of tautologies, but only God can make direct use of that fact.
Quote examples
Ludwig Wittgenstein
Austrian Philosopher
Propositions show what they say: tautologies and contradictions show that they say nothing.
Example 1 of 7
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