Pleonasm: Definition, Example & Exercises

What Is Pleonasm - Meaning & Definition

A pleonasm is generally a literary device under which additional words are used to express a particular message. A pleonasm in speech or writing can be a mistake or a tool purposely used to emphasise the message. Its meaning comes from the Greek word pleonazein, stating to be excessive. For a better understanding, look for an example.

"I saw it with my own eyes”

One can recognise that a message is pleonastic as the additional words used are unnecessary and do not change the message's meaning if removed. In the above example, you can easily understand that I saw clarifies that the action is done by one's own eyes. However, the latter part of the phrase is to emphasise the message.

The use of pleonasms in regular conversations may go unrecognised. In some cases, they may provide a strategic focus on the message. However, frequent use of pleonasm figure of speech can make the message unrefined.

Types of Pleonasm

The meaning of pleonasm is clearly understandable as it is the use of unnecessary words to emphasise the message. However, pleonasm is categorised into two distinct types; Syntactic and Semantic pleonasm. So, let's look at a detailed breakdown of these types.

Syntactic Pleonasm

Syntactic pleonasm refers to the use of unnecessary grammatical components, which results in unduly long and bulky sentences. This grammatical element doesn't add any additional value to the message. However, this type of pleonasm is used to emphasise the key idea of the message or slow down the sentence pace.

Example: Rahul said that you went to the mall

In the above example, the word 'that' is a syntactic pleonasm, it can be removed from the sentence without changing its meaning.

Semantic Pleonasm

Semantic pleonasm is the use of words or phrases where one part of the phrase is already indicated by the other. It results in a slight monotony within the phrase. Semantic pleonasm can go unnoticed as its purpose is to create emphasis, humour, or become precise in the sentence.

Example: Enjoy a free gift on a bulk purchase

In the above example, the word 'free' is a semantic pleonasm because the word gift implies it is a free offering.

These are the two types of pleonasm that are noticed in speeches and writing.

Why Pleonasm Is Used?

The Pleonasm figure of speech in writing or speech is a literary device where extra words are put in to express an idea. In various contexts, the use of this literary device is to improve clarity or emphasise the core idea.

Emphasis and Clarity

In most contexts, the major use of pleonasm figure of speech is for emphasising a particular message. It focuses on repeating an idea in different words to grab the attention.

For example, in "burning fire", the word fire already implies it is burning, but the redundancy through the word 'burning' can make the message clearer, clarifying the intensity of the fire.

Ease of Understanding

Using pleonasm in a sentence is also seen to explain a concept or a language more effectively. For example, when learning a new language, monotony can help understand the meanings without confusion.

Leaving No Room for Doubts

In some contexts, pleonasm helps to ensure the listener or reader understands the meaning. For example, phrases like "surprise" help to ensure that the core idea is expressed clearly and there is no doubt left.

These are the top reasons why the pleonasm figure of speech is used and how it enhances the overall clarity of the message. However, in various contexts, the use of pleonasm can be unintentional, which may impact the quality of speech or writing.

Examples of Pleonasm

Understanding pleonasm figure of speech is much easier with the help of its examples. The various pleonasm examples provide a wide context of their uses to convey a particular message. So, let's look at the examples of this figure of speech to enhance your understanding.

Examples of Syntactic Pleonasm

1. He himself did the work
2. She did warn you about it
3. I know that you are coming
4. I saw it with my own eyes.
5. I felt the pain with my own senses.

The highlighted words/phrases in the above examples are syntactic pleonasm examples. These pleonasms are optional and don't change the meaning if removed from the sentence. Pleonasm can involve various grammar elements like pronoun used in example 1 to emphasise on subject and action.

Examples of Semantic Pleonasm

1. Exact Replica
2. Regular Routine
3. Repeat Again
4. Prepay in advance
5. Tuna Fish

The highlighted words/phrases in the above examples are Semantic pleonasm examples. Further, it is important to highlight that in these examples, the adjective is used to modify the nouns, already implying the same quality. These are redundant and are mainly used for emphasis.

Practice Worksheet

While you have come across pleonasm meaning and its use in various contexts, enhance your understanding with the practice exercise given below.

Exercise 1- Underline the Redundant Word in the Sentences Below

In this exercise, you are provided with some sentences, each having redundant words. Your task is to underline the words that are not necessary.

1. The event was possible because of the joint collaboration of the volunteers and organisers.
2. I have been following this diet in my regular routine for more than 6 months.
3. The watch I have is absolutely and completely a part of the premium edition.
4. The family wanted to climb up to the very summit at the top of the 15-storey building.
5. Last year, the car launched was new innovation.
6. Jacob and Healy decided to return again for a second time to the old home.
7. It is usually Jack’s tradition to visit the home of the affluent rich.
8. His arrival on my birthday was an unexpected surprise.
9. I was able to hit my monthly sales targets accurately and with precise precision.
10. Today in the mall, I received a free gift with my shopping.

Answers for Exercise 1

1. The event was possible because of the joint collaboration of the volunteers and organisers.
2. I have been following this diet in my regular routine for more than 6 months.
3. The watch I have is absolutely and completely a part of the premium edition.
4. The family wanted to climb up to the very summit at the top of the 15-storey building.
5. Last year the car launched was new innovation.
6. Jacob and Healy decided to return again for a second time to the old home.
7. It is usually Jack’s tradition to visit the home of the affluent rich.
8. His arrival on my birthday was an unexpected surprise
9. I was able to hit my monthly sales targets accurately and with precise precision.
10. Today in the mall I received a free gift with my shopping.

Exercise 2 – Write A Sentence That Uses a Pleonasm to Emphasise the Given Idea.

In this exercise, you have been given a few words, your task is to write the sentences using pleonasm and express each idea. Each learner has to use their understanding of pleonasm figure of speech to form sentences.

1. Big
2. Dangerous
3. Wonderful;
4. Old
5. Tall
6. Clean
7. Cold
8. Important
9. Fast
10. Quiet

Answers for exercise two

1. The elephant was so big and giant that it blocked the whole road.
2. The area we explored yesterday is a perilously dangerous location.
3. The movie we saw was truly marvellous and wonderful, one I’ll never forget.
4. The man who caught the thief is an old aged man.
5. Alex took no time to climb a very tall tree.
6. I prefer to keep my workspace thoroughly clean and immaculate.
7. In our group, Joy always prefers to have an ice cold drink.
8. Tom played a very important, crucial role in the movie.
9. He ran extremely fast when the whistle was blown off.
10. The area was completely still and absolutely quiet during the night.

Conclusion

To sum up, the pleonasm figure of speech is one of the most used literary devices in your regular life. The use of additional words in speech or writing helps you to stress one particular message that you want to convey. In this blog, we have discussed all the crucial information required to learn about the pleonasm and how it is used. It is expected that you will solve the practice worksheet provided to enhance your learning about the pleonasm figure of speech. Further, you can also learn about other English grammar elements like idioms, nouns, tenses, and more with the help of our experts at gradding.com. We can help you increase your grammar proficiency and overall language skills.

FAQs

1. What is a pleonasm?

Pleonasm refers to the use of more and unnecessary words to express an idea or meaning. These extra words can be removed without changing the meaning of the sentence.

2. What are the types of Pleonasm?

There are two major types of pleonasm which are often witnessed in writing and speeches. there are

• Syntactic pleonasm
• Semantic pleonasm.

3. What are 5 examples of pleonasm?

• Final Conclusion- Conclusions are final, so “final” is redundant.
• Past History- History is naturally in the past, so "past" is redundant. 
• Exact Replica- A replica is already an exact copy, so "exact" is redundant. 
• Repeat Again- Repeating already refers to doing it again, so "again" is redundant. 
• Advance Planning- Planning happens in advance, so "advance" is redundant. 

4. What is the effect of pleonasm?

Pleonasm is the use of redundant words, it can have a positive and a negative effect on a writing piece or speech. However, when used intentionally, it can help in emphasising and clarifying the idea of the message.

5. What is pleonasm vs tautology?

Pleonasm and Tautology are forms of redundancy in language but both differ in the way they repeat information. While pleonasm includes using additional words that don't add value to the meaning (e.g. Repeat Again), tautology refers to restating the same idea using different words (e.g. it is what it is)