ˌmɛtəˈnɔɪə  |  met-uh-NOY-uh

Metanoia, as a rhetoric device, is following up a statement with another of similar sentiment but contrasting severity.  When strengthening the original idea, it can be used as a clarifier or an escalating gradient; when softening it, it can create a mild recanting or a dramatic understatement.

Examples:

• I fear that the slog is going to hinder me – that it’s going to smoother my brain, dull my senses, and rip the joy out of everything I do.
• The slog is the absolute worst.  It’s just…really not my favorite thing, you know?

Metanoia.  Use it.

Bene scribete.