Category:Tautology

Tau*tol"o*gy, n. Etym: [l. tautologia, gr. tautologie.] (rhet.)

Defn: a repetition of the same meaning in different words; needless Repetition of an idea in different words or phrases; a representation Of anything as the cause, condition, or consequence of itself, as in The following lines: -- The dawn is overcast, the morning lowers, and heavily in clouds Brings on the day. Addison.

Syn. -- repetition. -- tautology, repetition. There may be frequent repetitions (as in Legal instruments) which are warranted either by necessity or Convenience; but tautology is always a fault, being a sameness of Expression which adds nothing to the sense or the sound.