redundant

Everyday

1. Redundant means not needed any more, because there is already enough or it is repeated. tree →
2. (UK, Ireland, Australia, euphemism) To be made redundant is to lose your job because the employer no longer needs the job done. tree →

In the lessons

In writing lessons, redundant words repeat ideas ("free gift"). In maths problems, redundant information is extra information that you do not need. In grown-up life, "made redundant" is a gentle way of saying "lost his job". Phrases: made redundant, redundant information, redundancy pay.

Examples

• Cross out the redundant words in your sentence. tree →
• Some information in the problem is redundant. tree →
• Dad was made redundant from the factory. tree →
• The old machine became redundant. tree →
• "Return back" is redundant, because "return" already means go back. tree →
• 200 workers were made redundant. tree →
• A spare tyre is redundant until you get a flat. tree →
• The extra light switch is redundant. tree →

Note

Noun: redundancy. "Made redundant" (UK) is like "laid off" (US). In maths word problems, spotting redundant numbers (numbers you do not use) is a key skill.