diff --git a/Doc/c-api/init.rst b/Doc/c-api/init.rst
index bc92c3e16b8..c8d429de51b 100644
--- a/Doc/c-api/init.rst
+++ b/Doc/c-api/init.rst
@@ -1110,7 +1110,7 @@ Python-level trace functions in previous versions.
 .. c:var:: int PyTrace_RETURN
 
    The value for the *what* parameter to :c:type:`Py_tracefunc` functions when a
-   call is returning without propagating an exception.
+   call is about to return.
 
 
 .. c:var:: int PyTrace_C_CALL