hypercorrectly (C2)
adverb
Pronunciation: /ˌhaɪpər.kəˈrɛktli/
Definition
Using language in a way that is extremely careful and precise, often to the point of being overly formal or unnatural, in an attempt to avoid making mistakes.
Examples
She spoke hypercorrectly, using perfect grammar and pronunciation, but it made her sound like she was reciting from a textbook.
The student's writing was hypercorrectly formal, which made it difficult to understand and relate to.
The language learner tried to speak hypercorrectly, but ended up using words and phrases that were not commonly used in everyday conversation.
How to Use hypercorrectly
- speak hypercorrectly (verb phrase)
- to use language in an excessively careful and precise manner — "She spoke hypercorrectly during the presentation, but it made her sound unnatural."
- write hypercorrectly (verb phrase)
- to use language in an excessively careful and precise manner in writing — "The student wrote hypercorrectly in his essay, but it lacked creativity and flair."
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