Epanorthoses

/ˌɛpənɔːrˈθoʊsiz/ noun

Definition

Plural of epanorthosis; instances of correcting or improving upon a previous statement to make it stronger or clearer.

Etymology

From Greek epa- (upon) + anortho- (straighten) + -sis (condition). The term evolved in rhetoric to describe a speaker's technique of restating something in a better way.

Kelly Says

Politicians and lawyers use this trick constantly—they'll say something, then immediately correct themselves with a stronger version, like 'We need action—no, we demand action NOW!' It's a persuasion technique baked into the word itself.

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