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What is it called when a writer uses many words to describe the same things?

There are several terms that could describe a writer using many words to describe the same thing, depending on the specific effect being created:

If it's done for emphasis or to create a specific tone:

* Redundancy: This is the most general term and simply means repeating information.

* Pleonasm: This specifically refers to the use of more words than necessary to express an idea.

* Tautology: Similar to pleonasm, but it specifically uses words with the same or similar meaning.

* Repetition: This is a broader term that includes all types of repeating words or phrases for emphasis.

If it's done to create a more elaborate or descriptive style:

* Circumlocution: This means using more words than necessary to avoid saying something directly.

* Wordiness: This term implies that the writing is unnecessarily long and could be more concise.

* Verbosity: Similar to wordiness, but it emphasizes the excessive use of words.

* Prolixity: This refers to writing that is unnecessarily long and tedious.

If it's done in a negative way, such as to confuse or distract the reader:

* Obfuscation: This means to make something unclear or obscure.

* Grandiloquence: This refers to using pompous or overly elaborate language.

* Bombast: This describes language that is inflated or pretentious.

The specific term you choose will depend on the context and the intended effect of the writer's word choice.

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