correctio

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Definition bullet The amending of a term or phrase just employed; or, a futher specifying of meaning, especially by indicating what something is not (which may occur either before or after the term or phrase used). A kind of redefinition, often employed as a parenthesis (an interruption) or as a climax.
Examples
Hamlet employs correctio when he expresses his unhappiness at the marriage of his mother and uncle so soon after his father's death:
That it should come [to this]!
But two months dead, nay, not so much, not two.
—Shakespeare, Hamlet 1.2.137-38

I desire not your love, but your submissive obedience.

Related Figures
Related Topics of Invention
See Also
 
  Sources: Primary sources Ad Herennium 4.26.36; Melanch. d3v ("correctio""epanorthosis" "metanoia"); Peacham (1577) K2v