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Tautology

Device
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

Redundant expression of the same idea using different words (e.g., “free gift”), often criticized unless used for emphasis or rhythm.

Detailed Definition
Tautology in poetry is the deliberate repetition of an idea using different words, often for emphasis, rhetorical effect, or lyrical reinforcement; while sometimes criticized as redundant, it can heighten emotional weight or underscore inescapable truths through insistent restatement.
Example
Example in poetry:
Tautology: Gertrude Stein: "A rose is a rose is a rose"; Shakespeare’s "Hamlet": "I must be cruel only to be kind"; Modern: "free gift" in ironic consumer poetry; Poetic redundancy for emphasis: "forever and ever" in liturgical verse
Additional Notes
Needless repetition of same idea in different words. Generally avoided as weak writing, but occasionally used for emphasis or effect. Distinguish from intentional repetition.
Other Meanings of “Tautology”
Also Known As
Redundancy Repetition of meaning Needless restatement Circular definition redundant phrase
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