Exaggerated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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exaggerated

[ɪɡˈzædʒəˌreɪtɪd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

in describing something

Represented or described in an exaggerated form; overstated or overdone.

Synonyms

embellished, hyperbolic, inflated, overstated.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
exaggerated	Used when describing something that is made to seem larger, better, worse, or more important than it really is, often to create an impression or to stress a point. Her story about the haunted house was greatly exaggerated He exaggerated his success to impress his friends
overstated	Typically used in formal or written contexts to describe something that has been presented or described as more significant or serious than it really is. The risks of the plan were overstated in the report She overstated her qualifications on the job application
inflated	Typically used when something is increased or raised in an unjustified manner; it can often imply a negative connotation when discussing self-importance or prices. The company's inflated prices drove customers away He has an inflated opinion of his own importance
hyperbolic	Used to describe statements or situations that are deliberately overstated or exaggerated for effect, often found in literature or rhetoric. His claims were so hyperbolic that no one believed him The movie's portrayal of the event was hyperbolic for dramatic effect
embellished	Often used when details are added to a story or statement to make it more interesting or entertaining, sometimes at the expense of the truth. He embellished his travel stories to make them more exciting The report was embellished with anecdotes to keep the readers engaged

Examples of usage

He gave an exaggerated account of the story.
The painting featured exaggerated features to emphasize emotion.
She made an exaggerated claim about her accomplishments.
The movie used exaggerated special effects to create a sense of awe.
The comedian's jokes were based on exaggerated situations.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

in behavior or action

To make something seem larger, more important, better, or worse than it really is.

Synonyms

embellish, inflate, overdo, overstate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
exaggerated	Describing something that is made to seem larger or more important than it really is, often in stories or descriptions. Her story about meeting the celebrity seemed exaggerated His claims of wealth were clearly exaggerated
overstate	Applied when someone says something in a way that makes it seem more important or dramatic than it is, often for persuasion. Politicians often overstate their achievements It's easy to overstate the benefits of the new policy
inflate	Typically used in economic or metaphorical contexts to describe an increase in size, value, or importance, often beyond a reasonable level. The company tried to inflate the stock prices The author inflated the significance of the findings
embellish	Used when adding extra details to something to make it more interesting or attractive, often used in storytelling or decorating. He likes to embellish his tales to make them more captivating She embellished the cake with colorful icing and edible flowers
overdo	Describes going beyond what is normal or necessary, often leading to something being less effective or worse. You shouldn’t overdo it with the makeup He tends to overdo the spices in his cooking

Examples of usage

He tends to exaggerate his achievements when talking to others.
She exaggerated the extent of her injuries to gain sympathy.
Don't exaggerate the size of the fish you caught!
The media tends to exaggerate the impact of certain events for dramatic effect.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

Exaggeration is a common tool in literature and storytelling, often used for comedic effect or to highlight a character's traits.
In classic fables, animals often have exaggerated features to reflect their qualities; for example, a fox might be sly and cunning.
The hyperbole, a specific type of exaggeration, is used in poems and songs to emphasize feelings or situations.

Psychology

People often exaggerate to make their stories more interesting, impacting how listeners perceive reality.
This behavior can stem from a desire for attention or social validation; exaggeration can make someone appear more engaging.
In persuasive communication, exaggeration can be a tactic to strengthen arguments and influence decisions.

Pop Culture

In marketing, exaggeration is frequently used to highlight a product's benefits, attracting consumers with bold claims.
Reality TV often features exaggerated personalities and situations to entertain audiences, making them seem more dramatic.
Comedians frequently utilize hyperboles, elevating mundane situations to extreme proportions for humor.

Origin of 'exaggerated'

Main points about word origin

The word 'exaggerated' comes from the Latin word 'exaggerare', meaning 'to heap up or increase'.
It was first used in English in the early 18th century, originally in forms related to 'exaggeration'.
The prefix 'ex-' means 'out' in Latin, while 'aggerare' means 'to bring together or pile on', giving the sense of 'throwing out' a bigger image.

The word 'exaggerated' originated from the Latin word 'exaggeratus', which means 'to heap up, accumulate, or enlarge'. The concept of exaggeration has been used in various forms of communication throughout history, from storytelling to art. It plays a significant role in emphasizing certain aspects or creating dramatic effects in narratives.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,910 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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