Dictionary > Tautology

Tautology

tautology
(Science: study) A repetition of the same meaning in different words; needless repetition of an idea in different words or phrases; a representation of anything as the cause, condition, or consequence of itself, as in the following lines: The dawn is overcast, the morning lowers, And heavily in clouds brings on the day. (Addison)
Synonym: repetition.
Tautology, repetition. There may be frequent repetitions (as in legal instruments) which are warranted either by necessity or convenience; but tautology is always a fault, being a sameness of expression which adds nothing to the sense or the sound.
Origin: L. Tautologia, Gr., cf. F. Tautologie.

Last updated on May 24th, 2021

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