How Do You Spell PLEONAST?

Pronunciation: [plɪˈɒnast] (IPA)

Pleonast is spelled with the letters P-L-E-O-N-A-S-T, and is pronounced as [ˈpliːəʊnæst]. The word originates from the Greek "pleonazein," which means to exaggerate or use more words than needed. It refers to someone who is overly wordy or redundant in their speech or writing. The use of the silent "o" in the word is due to its Greek roots, which often have non-phonetic letter combinations. Proper spelling and pronunciation of words like Pleonast can be helpful in effective communication and avoiding misunderstandings or confusion in written and verbal language.

PLEONAST Meaning and Definition

1. A pleonast is a linguistic term that refers to the unnecessary repetition of words or phrases, resulting in redundant or superfluous expressions. Derived from the Greek word "pleonasm," meaning excess or redundancy, pleonast is used to describe instances where more words are employed than is necessary to convey a particular meaning. This often occurs when a writer or speaker inadvertently includes redundant or repetitive elements in their communication.

   Pleonasm typically involves using additional adjectives, adverbs, or phrases that do not contribute any new information or add clarity to the content. For example, using phrases like "added bonus" or "end result" can be considered pleonastic, as the word "bonus" and "result" already convey the meaning on their own. Similarly, using phrases such as "past history" or "future plans" can be seen as redundant, as "history" and "plans" inherently imply the past and the future respectively.

   While pleonasm can be unintentional, some writers and speakers employ it purposefully for stylistic effect or emphasis. It may be used in poetry, rhetoric, or for comedic effect, where the repetition serves to create a particular impact or to draw attention to a specific aspect.

   In conclusion, pleonast is the unnecessary use of additional words or phrases that do not contribute to the meaning or clarity of a statement. It is often employed unknowingly but can also be used strategically in various forms of communication.

Common Misspellings for PLEONAST

• lleonast

Etymology of PLEONAST

The word "pleonast" is derived from the Greek word "pleonazein", which means "to be redundant" or "to multiply excessively". It ultimately comes from the Greek words "pleon" meaning "more" or "excess" and "azein" meaning "to grow" or "to increase". In English, "pleonast" refers to a figure of speech characterized by the use of redundant or unnecessary words or phrases.

Plural form of PLEONAST is PLEONASTS