pleonastic

Definitions

From Greek pleonasmos, from pleon ('more'). Note: this is Greek pleon ('more'), not the Latin ple 'fill' root — though both ultimately go back to an idea of 'more/abundance.' A pleonastic phrase uses more words than necessary, e.g. 'free gift' or 'true fact.'

Example Sentences

• 1.

  Editors flagged the pleonastic phrase 'each and every one.'

• 2.

  His writing is clear but occasionally pleonastic.