pleonastic

[ plee-uh-nas-tik ]

adjective

1. relating to or having the characteristics of pleonasm; needlessly wordy or redundant:

   pleonastic expressions such as “I heard it with my own ears.”

Other Words From

• ple·o·nas·ti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of pleonastic¹

First recorded in 1775–80; pleonasm ( def ), -tic ( def )

Synonym Study

See wordy.

Example Sentences

The title’s pleonastic fourth word is the giveaway.

From New York Times

Culicerto remarks that in their relationship, both sets of parents ask the couple out to meals, showing an example of a pleonastic - or redundant - pronoun: “Both sides, they always ask.”

From Washington Times

Such modern forms made with one pleonastic suffix are called “strong forms,” while those made without it are called “weak forms.”

From Project Gutenberg

It is formed by the addition of the Prakrit pleonastic suffix -illa-, which was not used by the Prakrit of the Midland, but was common elsewhere.

From Project Gutenberg

Without the mellifluous elocution of a Cicero—free from pleonastic parade—he spoke forcibly, reasoned closely, demonstrated clearly, deduced conclusively.

From Project Gutenberg