redundancy - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
redundancy Word Meanings
- excess or surplus; something unnecessary
- the state of being not needed
- duplication of critical components to ensure reliability
redundancy Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
redundancy Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/rɪˈdʌn.dən.si/
US
/rɪˈdʌn.dən.si/
redundancy Word Etymology
Redundancy is composed of the prefix 're-' meaning 'again' and the root 'dunare' meaning 'to give'; historically, it travels from Latin 'redundantia' to Old French 'redundance' to English. Imagine a river overflowing with water, spilling over the banks—this represents excess and is a vivid image for remembering redundancy and its implication of surplus.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Redundancy refers to having more than what is strictly necessary. In everyday usage, it means excess or surplus, like keeping extra supplies just in case. In engineering and IT, redundancy means duplicating critical components or functions to ensure reliability; if one part fails, another can take over. This practice is common in power supplies, hard drives, and network paths. The idea is not wasteful; it is about resilience: redundancy reduces the risk that a single failure will bring a system down. The word comes from the Latin re- meaning again and undare meaning to give, but in modern English it evokes overflow and unnecessary duplication. Picture a river spilling over its banks to remember the surplus.
Usage Reminders
- Redundancy is about safety and reliability, not just extra stuff. Distinguish surplus from necessary duplication. Use it to describe backup paths or components in tech contexts. Avoid overusing it for minor repetition. Pair redundancy with resilience and safety, not wastefulness. Practice with real-world examples like data backups and power-supply redundancy.
Common Misconceptions
- Redundancy = just repetition of the same part
- Redundancy is always wasteful
- Redundancy only applies to hardware
- If something is redundant, it is useless
- Redundancy guarantees perfection
Thinking Differences
English learners often picture redundancy as mere surplus, but in tech it also means built-in backups; emphasize the difference between surplus and functional duplication.
Learning Tips
- Learn both senses: surplus and duplication for reliability
- Compare 'redundant' (adjective) with 'redundancy' (noun)
- Use in tech contexts with terms like backup, failover, or resilience
- Practice with real-world examples (data backups, dual power supplies)
- Note common collocations: redundancy plan, redundant systems, redundant path
- Check diagrams or models showing backup paths vs. single pathways
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the definition of 'redundancy'?
A.The state of being unnecessary or excessive.
B.A type of flower.
C.A musical term for rhythm.
D.A measure of weight.
Step 2: Usage
Which of the following sentences uses 'redundancy' correctly?
A.The cake was a redundancy in the dinner menu.
B.He felt a sense of redundancy at his job after the new hires.
C.The redundancy of the documents made them challenging to read.
D.Her dress was a redundancy for the event.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'redundancy'?
A.Necessity
B.Requirement
C.Superfluity
D.Essentiality
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'redundancy'?
A.Surplus
B.Scarcity
C.Excess
D.Abundance
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where a concept related to 'redundancy' is applied?
A.Having multiple copies of important data can help prevent loss.
B.A company reducing its workforce to streamline operations.
C.She was so happy with her job after the promotion.
D.There were too many unnecessary meetings scheduled this month.
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
🔥 Advanced
Blackout and Signalling in a Regional Crisis
English Learning Listening Content
Listen NowWant to practice more words?
Download LexiTalk app for personalized learning experience
Download App