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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...

Expeditious (k-spi-dish-uhs) Adjective characterized by promptness; quick More about Expeditious First recorded between 1590–1600. Formed from exped(ition) -itious  Examples of Expeditious The company’s expeditious response to customer complaints improved its reputation. His expeditious movements on the field made him the fastest player on the team. Doppelganger (dop-uhl-gang-er) Noun a ghostly double or counterpart of a living person. More about Doppelganger First recorded in English between 1850–55. Directly from German: doppel, double + Ganger, “walker” (from Gang, “motion, way” +n-el; cf gang). Examples of Doppelganger The actress was surprised when her fans mistook a lookalike for her doppelgänger. Historical records revealed that a doppelgänger of the king was used as a decoy during times of war. 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 ne...