Linguistics Micro Lesson: Tautology
Tautology is the unnecessary or unessential (and sometimes unintentional) repetition of meaning, using different words that effectively just say the same thing.
Examples:
- added bonus - “bonus” is an added extra, so “added bonus” is actually “added added extra”
- first introduced - “introduced” generally implies that it is the first time that someone or something has been presented
- free gift - “gift” is, by definition, something given without charge
- new innovation - “innovation” is defined as something new
- safe haven - “haven” is, by definition, a place of refuge and safety
- pre-book - “book” already contains the idea of reserving in advance, so “pre-” is redundant
