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Exaggerate: meaning, definitions and examples

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exaggerate

 

[ ɪɡˈzædʒəˌreɪt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

in storytelling

To exaggerate means to represent something as being larger, better, worse, or more extreme than it really is. It involves embellishing or overstating the truth for dramatic effect.

Synonyms

amplify, embellish, magnify, overstate

Examples of usage

  • She always exaggerates her accomplishments when telling stories.
  • He tends to exaggerate the size of the fish he caught.
  • Don't exaggerate the danger of the situation.
  • The comedian exaggerated the character's quirks for comic effect.
  • The news report exaggerated the impact of the storm.
Context #2 | Verb

in behavior

To exaggerate can also mean to overdo or overemphasize a particular behavior or characteristic, often to the point of being excessive or unreasonable.

Synonyms

hyperbolize, overdo, overemphasize

Examples of usage

  • She tends to exaggerate her reactions to minor inconveniences.
  • Don't exaggerate your emotions just to get attention.
  • He always exaggerates his concern for others to appear more compassionate.

Translations

Translations of the word "exaggerate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 exagerar

🇮🇳 अतिरंजित करना

🇩🇪 übertreiben

🇮🇩 melebih-lebihkan

🇺🇦 перебільшувати

🇵🇱 przesadzać

🇯🇵 誇張する (こちょうする)

🇫🇷 exagérer

🇪🇸 exagerar

🇹🇷 abartmak

🇰🇷 과장하다 (gwajanghada)

🇸🇦 يبالغ (yubalig)

🇨🇿 přehánět

🇸🇰 preháňať

🇨🇳 夸张 (kuāzhāng)

🇸🇮 pretiravati

🇮🇸 ýkja

🇰🇿 асыра сілтеу

🇬🇪 გადაჭარბება (gadacharbeba)

🇦🇿 şişirtmək

🇲🇽 exagerar

Etymology

The word 'exaggerate' comes from the Latin word 'exaggeratus', meaning 'increased'. It first appeared in English in the 16th century. The concept of exaggeration has been present in storytelling and communication throughout history, often used for emphasis, humor, or to make a point more memorable.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,244, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.