What is It Called When You Use Two Words with the Same Meaning in a Single Sentence?

Introduction

Ever wondered what you call the situation when you use two words with the same meaning in the same sentence? This phenomenon can be quite common, especially in casual speech or writing. Let's explore the term used for this and understand its nuances.

What is Tautology?

Tautology is the use of different words for reinforcement but with the same or nearly the same meaning. For instance, saying “it's freezing cold” where both "freezing" and "cold" convey the same temperature level. Tautology can also enhance clarity or emphasize a point, but too much can be redundant and less than efficient.

Pleonasm: A Type of Tautology

A word which adds nothing extra to a sentence is known as a pleonasm. Tautology is a specific instance of a pleonasm, where words or phrases are used redundantly to express the same idea. Common examples include phrases like “new innovation” or “necessary requirement,” where the meaning is implied by the first word.

Identifying Tautology and Pleonasm in Writing

When faced with a sentence like “A quick glimpse is the quickest way to see,” one could argue that “quick” and “quickest” are tautologous, since the qualification is unnecessary. Similarly, a statement such as “I was extremely upset and devastated by the news” contains both a pleonasm and an example of tautology. The phrases “extremely upset” and “devastated by the news” both suggest strong emotional distress.

Types of Redundancy in Language

In addition to pleonasm and tautology, there are other types of redundancy in language:

Redundant Appositives: These are words or phrases that add little to no value to a sentence but can be useful for clarification. For example, “John, my brother, is visiting tomorrow.” Prominence: Some phrases that are often considered redundant serve an important function, such as “What happened to John?” If there is only one John, “John” could be omitted, but the question as a whole conveys a specific query.

When Redundancy is Appropriate

Not all redundant expressions are strictly verboten in writing. For instance, in casual speech or creative writing, redundancy might be used for emphasis or poetic effect. Poets and songwriters often deliberate over the effectiveness of their chosen words to evoke a particular emotional response.

Conclusion

In summary, tautology and pleonasm both refer to the use of redundant words or phrases to express the same idea. While they can enhance the meaning or serve a specific function, their overuse can detract from clarity and style. Understanding the nuances between tautology and pleonasm can greatly improve your understanding and usage of language, making your written and spoken content more effective.