YOUR VOCABULARY, ONE WORD AT A TIME
tautology
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UNDERSTAND THE WORD
Meaning in plain English
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Pronunciation
tautology/tɔːˈtɒlədʒi/
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PICTURE THE IDEA
See the meaning
The advertisement says free gift
Free repeats an idea already in gift
SEE IT IN EVERYDAY ENGLISH
Examples in context
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- The editor called free gift a tautology in the advertisement.
- We removed a tautology that repeated the point without adding information.
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Quick word quiz
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Complete the example using the word from this lesson.
The editor called free gift a ________ in the advertisement.
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tautology — An unnecessary repetition of the same meaning using different words.
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Write one sentence using “tautology” about your own life.
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An unnecessary repetition of the same meaning using different words.
Compare: The editor called free gift a tautology in the advertisement.
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Word origin
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