otiose

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/ˈəʊ.ti.əʊs/
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Unnecessary because it adds no useful purpose or has become redundant.
Practice using otiose in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • She removed an otiose explanation from the report.
  • The final paragraph was otiose and the editor cut it.
  • After the decision, further debate seemed otiose.
  • That extra adjective is otiose in this sentence.
  • The new evidence made his objection otiose.

Similar words

pointless
superfluous
unnecessary

Meanings

Pointless or superfluous

adjective
usefulness
formal
A formal adjective for a word, idea or action that serves no useful function.

Examples

  • The final paragraph was otiose and the editor cut it.
  • After the decision, further debate seemed otiose.
  • That extra adjective is otiose in this sentence.
  • The new evidence made his objection otiose.
  • She removed an otiose explanation from the report.

Similar words

superfluous
unnecessary
pointless

Etymology

From Latin otiosus, idle, based on otium, leisure or inactivity.

FAQ

What does otiose mean?

Unnecessary because it adds no useful purpose or has become redundant.

When is otiose used?

Use it for wording, arguments or actions that no longer contribute anything.

How does otiose differ from redundant?

Redundant focuses on repetition; otiose also describes something with no useful purpose.

How is otiose used in a sentence?

The final paragraph was otiose and the editor cut it.

Is otiose formal?

It is a formal, uncommon adjective.

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