pleonasm
ple·o·nasm
noun \ˈplē-ə-ˌna-zəm\Definition of PLEONASM
1
: the use of more words than those necessary to denote mere sense (as in the man he said) : redundancy
2
: an instance or example of pleonasm
— ple·o·nas·tic \ˌplē-ə-ˈnas-tik\ adjective
— ple·o·nas·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
Origin of PLEONASM
Late Latin pleonasmus, from Greek pleonasmos, from pleonazein to be excessive, from pleiōn, pleōn more — more at plus
First Known Use: 1610
Rhymes with PLEONASM
Browse
Seen & Heard 
What made you want to look up pleonasm? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).












