word
pleonasm
PLEE-uh-naz-um
ˈpliːənæzəmListen
Hear it in a clear American voice. Slow it down to catch each syllable.
Syllable breakdown
pleonasm
Sounds like
Say 'PLEE-uh-naz-um'.
Dictionary meaning
The use of more words than necessary to express meaning, e.g. 'free gift' or 'advance planning'.
History and origin
Greek — 'pleonasmos' (excess).
Examples
- 'ATM machine' is a pleonasm — 'ATM' already stands for 'Automated Teller Machine'.
Common mispronunciations
plee-OH-naz-umPLEE-on-az-um
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