Word: Tautology
Part of Speech: Noun
Simple Explanation:
A tautology is when you say the same thing more than once in different words, making it unnecessary or repetitive. For example, saying "free gift" is a tautology because a gift is always free.
Usage Instructions:
Use "tautology" to describe phrases or statements that repeat the same idea without adding new information.
You can also use it in discussions about logic or philosophy when talking about statements that are always true.
Examples:
Simple Example: "A small baby is a baby that is small." (This is a tautology because it repeats the same idea.)
Logical Example: "He is brave or he is not brave." (This is a tautology in logic because one of the two options must always be true.)
Advanced Usage:
In logic, a tautology refers to a statement that is true in every possible interpretation. It's important in mathematics and philosophy when discussing truth values and logical reasoning.
Word Variants:
Tautological (adjective): Describing something that involves tautology. For example, "His explanation was tautological; he kept repeating the same point."
Tautologically (adverb): In a way that involves tautology. For example, "She argued tautologically, repeating her main idea multiple times without new insights."
Different Meaning:
While "tautology" mainly refers to redundancy in language, in logic, it specifically denotes a statement that is true by its logical form.
Synonyms:
Redundancy: unnecessary repetition.
Repetition: the act of saying something again.
Pleonasm: using more words than necessary to convey meaning.
Related Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
Summary:
In summary, a tautology is a way of expressing an idea that is repetitive and unnecessary. It can be found in everyday language as well as in logical discussions.