Using 'exact same' in a sentence

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HanibalII

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I was wondering if using 'exact same' in a sentence was considered redundant when talking about an object?

example.


'I have that exact same item at home'

'I have that same item at home'

Both talking about an identical object.

With stating 'same' does it not imply that it would be an object completely identical.

Or is exactly used to emphasise the fact it's so identical?


Definition of exact:
Not approximated in any way; precise.

Definition of same:
identical; not different;
The same thing as something previously mentioned.
 

Chicken Sandwich

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With stating 'same' does it not imply that it would be an object completely identical.

I would say that technically speaking you're right, but when people say "exact same", they are emphasising the degree to which an object is the same. It just puts more emphasis on the fact that two objects or whatever are 100% identical, and don't just bear a few similarities, I think.
 
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emsr2d2

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My friend has a coat which is made of wool, size 14, has 12 buttons, high lapels and a split back, and she bought it at Harrods. Hers is blue.
I have a coat which is made of wool, size 14, has 12 buttons, high lapels and a split back, and I bought it at Harrods. Mine is purple.

I can say "I have the same coat at home" even though they are different colours. I might add "... but mine is purple" at the end.

If her coat is blue and my coat is blue, and they are also identical in all other regards, I would say "I have the exact same coat at home".

That's just an example. It doesn't just apply to coats and colours, of course.
 

Barb_D

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As another example:
Peter said, "I don't trust Mark. He only has his own interests in mind and will undermine you to get them."
Joe said, "Mark will stab you in the back."

Peter and Joe said the same thing about Mark.

Allen said, "Mark will stab you in the back."

Joe and Allen said the exact same thing about Mark.
 
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