ATLAS OF LANGUAGE

AT-HAR4-0003 · ATLAS 251

Pleonasm

The addition of wording whose meaning is already contained or implied.

Explanation

Redundancy may be clumsy, but it can also create emphasis, rhythm or vividness.

Example

I saw it with my own eyes.

Counterexample

I saw it.

Effect on thought and perception

Shows how apparent surplus can guide certainty and attention.

Resonance

Meaning immediately returns to itself and gains weight.

Cite this entry

Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Pleonasm“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-HAR4-0003. ATLAS 251, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-HAR4-0003

https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-HAR4-0003

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