Hypercorrection

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ËŒhaɪ.pÉ™.kəˈɹɛk.ʃən/
• US IPA: /ËŒhaɪ.pÉš.kəˈɹɛk.ʃən/

Alternative forms

• hyper-correction

Origin

- + correction

Full definition of hypercorrection

Noun

1. (linguistics) The use of a nonstandard form due to a belief that it is more formal or more correct than the corresponding standard form.
2. (linguistics) A nonstandard form so used.

Usage notes

Since it is often a matter of some debate whether a given form is standard or correct, the use of the term hypercorrection is typically subjective.

Related terms

• hypercorrect, hyper-correct
• hypercorrective, hyper-corrective
• hypercorrectness, hyper-correctness