tautology
Say it: taw-TOL-uh-jee /tɔːˈtɒlədʒi/ · noun
What “tautology” means
Repeating a meaning, or saying something true by definition.
More precisely: Saying the same thing twice in different words, or a statement true by definition.
When to use it
When wording repeats itself or a claim merely restates something already guaranteed. Common in discussions of language and logic.
Similar words
redundancy, repetition, truism
Where it comes from
From Greek tautologos, 'repeating what has been said', from tauto 'the same'.
Quick check
Asked how to avoid finishing last, a coach says you must finish ahead of at least one competitor. That advice is…
a tautology or a strategy?
Show the answer
a tautology
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