hypercorrect
/ˌhaɪpərkəˈrɛkt/
verb
- To correct something too much, often resulting in an error or unnatural usage, especially in language or behavior.
- He hypercorrected his pronunciation so much that it sounded strange.
- Teachers sometimes hypercorrect students' grammar, making them afraid to speak.
- Don't hypercorrect your writing; sometimes simple is better.
Synonyms
adjective
- Overly corrected; resulting from excessive correction, especially in language use.
- Her hypercorrect speech made her seem unnatural in casual conversation.
- Some hypercorrect grammar rules are not actually required in everyday English.
- The hypercorrect spelling of 'ye' for 'the' is a common mistake.