epanorthosis en · NOUN
Etymology
From Ancient Greek ἐπανόρθωσις (epanórthōsis, “correction”).
Meanings
-
(rhetoric) A rhetorical device or element in which a speaker or writer retracts a word that has been spoken and substitutes a stronger or more suitable word; often done for emphasis or sarcasm.
Epanorthosis oft a phrase corrects, And feeble words, for stronger terms, rejects.
1835, L[arret] Langley, “[Rhetorical Figures.] Epanorthosis.”, in A Manual of the Figures of Rhetoric, […], Doncaster, South Yorkshire: […] C. White, […], →OCLC, page 61:
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| epanorthoses | Number=Plur | lexicographic |