Definition

A phrase or statement that repeats the same idea in different words, often unnecessarily, making it logically true regardless of the facts.

Example

Saying 'free gift' is an example of tautology because a gift is always free.

Conversation

I was reading this article about language, and it mentioned tautology a lot.

Oh really? What did it say about it?

It explained how tautology can make statements sound repetitive and unnecessary.

That makes sense — sometimes people just restate the same thing in different ways.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Tautology → It is formed from "tauto-" (from Greek "tautós", meaning the same) and "-logy" (from Greek "logia", meaning the study of or discourse). The word describes a statement that repeats the same idea in different words, hence, saying the same thing.

Memory Tip

Think of 'the same' ('tauto-') being discussed or studied ('-logy') — that's why tautology refers to repeating the same idea.

Visually Confused Words