Redundantly describes something that is unnecessary, repetitive, or exceeding what is needed. It implies a surplus, an excess of information or features that could be omitted without losing essential meaning or functionality. It can apply to language, where phrases or words are repeated pointlessly, but also to systems, processes, or designs where elements are duplicated beyond what's required for effectiveness or safety. The intent might be to over-explain something. The key is the presence of superfluous elements that add no genuine value and may even obscure clarity or create inefficiency. This can cause frustration or slow understanding, as listeners or readers have to sift through unnecessary information to find what is important.
Redundantly meaning with examples
- The speaker, wanting to make sure everyone knew her name, redundantly repeated it three times at the beginning of the presentation, which was unnecessary, and distracted from her core message. It felt like she was trying to fill time and made some of the audience bored.
- The software program was redundantly designed; multiple functions were available that achieved the same task, cluttering the interface and confusing new users. The lack of a good instruction guide did not help this either.
- The contract redundantly included the same clause in three different sections, adding unnecessary length and increasing the potential for legal confusion and causing the lawyers to have more work.
- The marketing campaign redundantly used the company's name and logo in every single advertisement, even on the most simple elements, making it feel overwhelming. Sometimes less is more.
- The instruction manual redundantly explained basic concepts that were self-evident, annoying people who were looking for guidance. It needed to be edited down so as to save time.