tautology
noun
tau·tol·o·gy
| \ tÈŻ-ËtĂ€-lÉ-jÄ
\
\
plural tautologies
Definition of tautology
1a
: needless repetition of an idea, statement, or word
b
: an instance of tautology
2
: a tautological statement
Examples of tautology in a Sentence
âA beginner who has just startedâ is a tautology.
Recent Examples on the Web
Like the name of the lobbying group Leave Means Leave, the tautology suggests insecurity over the governmentâs commitment to honoring the referendum. — Lionel Shriver, Harper's magazine, "No Exit," 10 Apr. 2019 Nowak and others claim that the general version of the formula is a tautology that canât be tested empirically. — Jordana Cepelewicz, Scientific American, "The Elusive Calculus of Insect Altruism," 26 Apr. 2018 Profits have grown, but â contrary to Hassettâs simple tautology â wages have not followed. — Jonathan Chait, Daily Intelligencer, "Trump Economist Kevin Hassett: Tax Cuts Are Trickling Down to You," 18 Apr. 2018 All the old political stagecraft and prevaricating, the Rumsfeldian tautologies â weâre way past that. — Wesley Morris, New York Times, "In These Lying Times, âReceiptsâ Offer a Glimmer of Justice," 24 Oct. 2017 Forgive the tautology, but such is the nature of what was once considered a premium position. — Jack Wang, Orange County Register, "2017 NFL draft position preview: Running backs," 16 Apr. 2017 Whatâs more important is the ongoing tautology at the heart of the warrantless wiretapping controversy. — Ryan Singel, WIRED, "NYT Misses the Point: Administration Never Said It Wouldnât Spy Without Warrants," 3 May 2007These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'tautology.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for tautology
tautology
noun
English Language Learners Definition of tautology
: a statement in which you repeat a word, idea, etc., in a way that is not necessary
See the full definition for tautology in the English Language Learners Dictionary