Definition of Pleonasm. Pleonasm is derived from a Greek word that means “excess.” It is a rhetorical device that can be defined as the use of two or more words (a phrase) to express an idea. These words are redundant, such as in these examples of pleonasm” “burning fire,” and “black darkness.”

Most often, pleonasm is understood to mean a word or phrase which is useless, clichéd, or repetitive, but a pleonasm can also be simply an unremarkable use of idiom. It can aid in achieving a specific linguistic effect, be it social, poetic or literary.

Mar 23, 2018 · The word pleonasm stems from the Greek term pleonazein, meaning “to be excessive,” and is related to plenty, plural, and plus.

A pleonasm is when one uses too many words to express a message. A pleonasm can either be a mistake or a tool for emphasis. Pleonasm (pronounced ˈplē-ə-ˌna-zəm) is derived from the Greek phrase pleonasmos meaning “excessive.”

May 2, 2023 · Pleonasm means using more words than are necessary. Pleonasm shows up in phrases like “I saw it with my own eyes” (who else’s eyes could… Learn the definition of pleonasm, the different types, and how this literary device differs from tautology, with examples.

Pleonasm is a mellifluous name for something every English composition teacher despises: redundancy. But redundancy—and pleonasm in particular—has its uses.

Jan 2, 2025 · Learn what pleonasm is, see common examples, and discover how to avoid redundant writing. Compare pleonasm vs tautology and improve your writing today!

Dec 17, 2024 · Understanding pleonasm, its forms, and how it is different from other related ideas, such as tautology and metonymy, can aid the writers and speakers in effectively using the language. What is Pleonasm? Pleonasm is the use of extra words that are unnecessary to …

Dec 4, 2024 · Pleonasm is when you use more words than necessary to express your point. Pleonasms are sometimes considered a stylistic error because they add superfluous and often redundant words. However, pleonasms can be used as a literary device to bring attention to specific ideas or create rhythm.

Pleonasm is a rhetorical device that occurs when a writer uses two or more words to express an idea. That is, a pleonasm uses a phrase with redundant or tautological words rather than a single word that would’ve been sufficient on its own.