According to the Cambridge Dictionary, a tautology is the use of two words or phrases that express the same meaning, in a way that is unnecessary and usually unintentional.
The word comes from the Greek taut- (the same) and logos (word).
Some tautologies are easy to spot:
- At that moment in time, the engine broke down. (The idea of time is already present in the word "moment". All moments, by the concept of "moment" itself, are rooted in time)
- Many people commute back and forth to work. ("back and forth" is redundant because the idea is integral part of the verb "commute")
Others are more pernicious:
- In my personal assessment, I think the candidate is a good fit for the job. ("personal assessment" and "I think" have the same meaning)
- The reason is because we decided to turn down the offer. ("because" means already "for the reason that", therefore It is redundant)
Here are some good examples from the mainstream media and politicians:
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Midtown Massacre: How Did Armed Gunman Breach One of NYC's Most Secure Towers? (a "gunman" is by definition armed, therefore "armed" is redundant)
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Our nation must come together to unite - George W. Bush (the only way to "unite" is to "come together", so the two ideas are one and the same)
What is your favourite tautology? Leave your comment below.