pleonaste

A pleonaste is a word or phrase that is redundant, meaning it uses more words than necessary to convey a meaning that could be expressed more simply. It's a stylistic feature that, while sometimes unintentional, can also be used for emphasis or rhetorical effect. Common examples include "free gift" (a gift is inherently free), "ATM machine" (ATM stands for Automated Teller Machine), and "past history" (history by definition refers to the past).

Pleonasm can occur in spoken language, writing, and even in official titles or technical terms. While often criticized as poor writing or speaking, its effect can vary. In some contexts, it can make a statement more emphatic, for instance, "I saw it with my own eyes." The repetition of "own eyes" highlights the directness of the observation. However, in formal or technical writing, pleonastic expressions are generally considered errors and should be avoided to ensure clarity and conciseness. Identifying and eliminating pleonastic elements is a key aspect of effective communication. The term originates from the Greek word pleonasmos, meaning "redundancy."