Redundancy refers to the inclusion of extra components or information that are not strictly necessary. In everyday life, this can be seen in phrases like "free gift," where the word "free" is redundant because gifts are inherently free. In the workplace, redundancy can also mean having backup systems or personnel, ensuring that if one part fails, another can take over, like having a backup generator for a power outage.
In the context of language, redundancy can help clarify messages, making them easier to understand. For example, saying "ATM machine" is redundant because "ATM" already stands for Automated Teller Machine. While redundancy can sometimes be seen as unnecessary, it often serves to enhance clarity and reliability in communication and systems.