Pleonasm

__//Pleonasm//__


 * D** **efinition::** //Pleonasm:// the use of more words than necessary for clear expression. Verbiage.

examples are: //black darkness//, or //burning fire//.

from Greek, //pleon//: more, too much
 * Origin::**

(Wikipedia)


 * Examples** from text:

1) Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair **so completely overtopped** every other consideration that we both burst out into a roar of laughter.


 * This example from Sherlock Holmes utilizes a pleonasm when it says 'completely overtopped' because the word 'completely' is unnecessary. Something is either overtopped or not. Same thing goes for 'completely empty' or 'completely destroyed'.

AM