Today's Words: Tautology, Dovetail and Chockablock

Tautology

(taw-tol-uh-jee) Noun

needless repetition of an idea

First recorded between 1570–80.

A term in rhetoric. From Greek tautología, “repetition of something already said.”

Examples of Tautology

Her advice was to revert back to the original plan.

This meeting is absolutely essential.

I heard the news with my own ears.

Dovetail

(duhv-teyl) Verb

to join or fit together compactly or harmoniously.

More about Dovetail

First recorded in 1555–65.

So named from its shape.

Examples of Dovetail

The new software is designed to dovetail seamlessly with existing systems.

Her plans dovetail nicely with his, making collaboration easy and efficient.

Chockablock

(chok-uh-blok) Adjective

extremely full; crowded; jammed

More about Chockablock

First recorded in 1790–1800.

Formed from chock “wedge” + –a- (connective) + block, “solid mass of wood.”

Examples of Chockablock

The shelves in the bookstore were chockablock with bestsellers and new releases.

The festival grounds were chockablock with food stalls, music stages, and excited visitors.

Inputs Courtesy: Dictionary.com

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