What does pleonastic mean?
Pleonastic is a formal adjective for language that is unnecessarily repetitive or elaborate. It describes wording in which every additional word contributes little or nothing to the intended meaning, as in “past history history.” The word is closely associated with pleonasm, the use of redundant expression, but it can also imply broader stylistic excess, including needless ornament or inflated prose. Writers and speakers use it when diagnosing cumbersome language rather than as a neutral label for every instance of repetition. Although the term is applicable in speech, it is especially common in literary criticism, rhetoric, editing, and discussion of official or political language. Pleonastic is related etymologically to pleon and pleonasm, both words associated with excess, but it remains more specific: it characterizes the use of redundant language rather than merely describing something excessive.
adjectiveCharacterized by pleonasm; using more words than are necessary to express a meaning, especially through redundant or repetitive wording.
- Using redundant or unnecessarily repetitive wording.
"The editor removed the pleonastic phrase and tightened the report."
"The politician's pleonastic statement repeated the same proposal in three different ways."
"Her prose is precise rather than pleonastic, with no phrase used without purpose."
Pleonastic language is the literary equivalent of wearing an overcoat indoors: it adds bulk without adding meaning.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pleonastic come from?
Pleonastic entered English in the early 17th century through Latin pleonasticus, ultimately from Ancient Greek pleonastikos, meaning “characterized by redundancy.” The Greek formation draws on pleōn, “more,” an Indo-European root also represented in Latin plus (“more”) and plenus (“full”). From this Greek family English also gained pleon and pleonasm, terms for excess or redundancy.
Related word forms
How pleonastic is actually used
Chiefly formal and literary. It is typically used critically to describe redundancy, inflated prose, or unnecessarily elaborate expression, though it may also be used humorously.