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noun B1 Intermediate Common

correction

kuh-REHK-shuhn
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Correction (noun) means the act of fixing a mistake, or the fix itself. Example: “The newspaper printed a correction to yesterday's story.”

noun
1
The act of fixing a mistake, or the fix itself.
"The newspaper printed a correction to yesterday's story."
"She made several corrections to the first draft."
"The pilot made a course correction mid-flight."
2
A drop in stock market prices after a period of gains, typically at least 10%.
"After months of rising prices, the stock market suffered a sharp correction."
"Investors stayed calm during the correction and waited for a recovery."
"Analysts warned that the market was due for a correction."
3
Punishment intended to improve someone's behavior.
"In the old school, correction often meant extra work or a stern talking-to."
"Parents sometimes disagree about how much correction a child needs."
"The old system favored correction over rehabilitation."

How to use correction

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA fix to an error, a market downturn, or (in a formal/legal sense) punishment meant to reform someone.

Common pairings
make a correction market correction course correction
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Word forms

Plural
corrections
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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The newspaper printed a _____ to yesterday's story.

Etymology

From Old French correccion, from Latin correctio — from the same root as "correct".

Origin: Latin

Related words

Rhymes for correction

See all rhymes for correction →

Frequently asked questions

What does “correction” mean?
The word “correction” means the act of fixing a mistake, or the fix itself. In plain terms, a fix to an error, a market downturn, or (in a formal/legal sense) punishment meant to reform someone.
How do you pronounce “correction”?
“Correction” is pronounced kuh-REHK-shuhn (/kəˈɹɛkʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “correction” in a sentence?
Here is “correction” used in a sentence: “She made several corrections to the first draft.”
What part of speech is “correction”?
“Correction” is a noun.
Where does the word “correction” come from?
The word “correction” comes from Latin. From Old French correccion, from Latin correctio — from the same root as "correct".
Is “correction” a common word?
“Correction” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “correction” have?
“Correction” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the act of fixing a mistake, or the fix itself.
What is the difference between a correction and a revision?
A correction fixes something that was wrong, such as a spelling error or a mistaken figure. A revision is a broader change or reworking to improve something, and it does not necessarily mean an error was present.
What is the difference between a market correction and a crash?
A correction is a fall in stock prices of roughly 10% or more after a period of gains, and is considered a normal part of market cycles. A crash is a much sharper and more sudden decline, often steeper and driven by panic, making it more severe than a correction.
What is the difference between a market correction and a recession?
A correction refers specifically to a drop in stock market prices. A recession is a broader, sustained downturn in the overall economy, measured by things like output and employment, so a correction can happen without a recession and vice versa.
What are common collocations with correction?
Everyday phrases include 'make a correction', 'minor correction', and 'course correction', which means adjusting a plan that is heading the wrong way. In finance you will see 'market correction', and in justice contexts 'the correction system'.

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