Definition:
Tautology in language refers to a statement or phrase that repeats the same idea in different words, often seen as redundant or unnecessarily repetitive. In logic, it describes a statement that is true in all possible interpretations, essentially because it repeats an assertion in such a way that it must be true.
Etymology & Origin:
Derived from the Greek “tautologos,” combining “tauto-” meaning “the same” and “logos” meaning “word” or “reason,” tautology literally translates to “saying the same thing twice.” This concept has been explored in philosophical and linguistic contexts to address redundancy and logical certainty.
Examples:
- Linguistic: “Free gift” or “unexpected surprise,” where the adjectives are redundant because gifts are typically free, and surprises are by nature unexpected.
- Logical: “It will rain today, or it will not rain today,” which is unavoidably true and therefore a tautology.
