"Needless to say" is a commonly used phrase that means something is so obvious that it does not need to be said. It is spelled as /ˈniːdləs tuː ˈseɪ/ in International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription. The word "needless" is spelled with a double 'e' and the 'd' is silent which is why it's pronounced 'nee-d-lə-s'. The word "to" is pronounced as 'tuː', sounding like the number 'two'. The word "say" is spelled as it is pronounced, with an 's' sound at the beginning and 'eɪ' diphthong at the end.
The phrase "needless to say" can be defined as an adverbial expression that is used to emphasize a point or statement that is considered obvious or self-evident. It indicates that the following information or statement is so clear or predictable that it does not require further explanation or elaboration.
"Needless to say" is often employed as a rhetorical device to imply that the information that follows should come as no surprise to the listener or reader. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to acknowledge a concept, fact, or circumstance that is universally recognized, widely understood, or commonly accepted without needing further clarification.
This phrase is often used to indicate that what is about to be stated is already implied, widely known, or expected by the audience. It can also be utilized to underscore the speaker or writer's confidence in the validity or common understanding of the forthcoming information.
In summary, "needless to say" serves as a linguistic tool to signal that the following statement is self-evident or widely acknowledged, allowing the speaker or writer to skip over details that are deemed obvious to the audience. It functions to emphasize the clarity and certainty of the subsequent information, highlighting the notion that further explanation or discussion would be superfluous.