Exaggeration: meaning, definitions and examples
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exaggeration
[ɪɡˌzædʒəˈreɪʃən ]
Definitions
in storytelling
A statement that represents something as better or worse than it really is, often for the sake of emphasis or effect.
Synonyms
embellishment, hyperbole, overstatement.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| exaggeration |
Used when someone talks about something in a way that makes it seem bigger or more important than it is. It often has a slightly deceptive connotation.
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| overstatement |
Used when someone describes something in a way that makes it seem more serious or important than it really is, often unintentionally misleading.
|
| hyperbole |
Used when talking about an obvious and intentional exaggeration, often for effect or humor, rather than deception.
|
| embellishment |
Used when someone adds extra details to make something more attractive or interesting, but not necessarily to mislead.
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Examples of usage
- He described the fish he caught as being as big as a whale, but it was just an exaggeration.
- She always tells stories with a touch of exaggeration to make them more entertaining.
- Don't take his exaggerations too seriously; he tends to exaggerate to make his stories more dramatic.
in comedy
A comedic device in which something is overstated or represented as larger or more important than it really is, for humorous effect.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| exaggeration |
Used when describing something blown out of proportion, usually for effect or emphasis. It may not be humorous or artistic.
|
| caricature |
Used when referring to a drawing or description that humorously exaggerates certain features of a person or thing, often used in visual art or literature.
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| parody |
Used when imitating the style of something or someone in a humorous or satirical way, often to critique or poke fun at the original.
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| satire |
Used in literary and artistic contexts to criticize human vice or folly using humor, irony, or exaggeration. It often carries a poignant or serious underlying message.
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Examples of usage
- The comedian's use of exaggeration in his jokes had the audience roaring with laughter.
- Exaggeration is a common technique used in comedy to highlight absurdity or poke fun at stereotypes.
in everyday speech
The action of making something seem larger, better, worse, or more important than it really is.
Synonyms
embellishment, hyperbole, overstatement.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| exaggeration |
When you want to describe a situation where someone makes something seem more important or serious than it really is.
|
| overstatement |
When referring to comments or statements that portray something as more significant than it actually is, often with a slightly critical tone.
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| hyperbole |
In a context where deliberate and obvious overstatement is used for effect, often in literature or everyday speech for humor or emphasis.
|
| embellishment |
When discussing the addition of details to make something more attractive or interesting, often in the context of storytelling or describing events.
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Examples of usage
- Her tendency towards exaggeration makes it difficult to know when she's telling the truth.
- Exaggeration can sometimes lead to misunderstandings or misinterpretations in communication.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Latin 'exaggerare', which means 'to heap up' or 'to increase'.
- In English, it began being used in the late 14th century, connecting to the idea of increasing or enlarging something.
- It reflects a blend of literal and figurative meanings over time, showing how language evolves.
Psychology
- Exaggeration can be a natural part of storytelling, as people often amplify details to make a narrative more engaging.
- Some psychologists say exaggerating helps to express emotions more vividly, aiding in communication and understanding.
- In humor, exaggeration plays a crucial role, making situations funnier by presenting them in an absurd light.
Pop Culture
- Throughout film and television, characters often use exaggeration for comedic effect, creating memorable quotes and scenarios.
- Social media platforms have popularized exaggeration in memes, where jokes or scenarios are amplified for comedic or satirical impact.
- Exaggeration is a key component in advertising, designed to grab attention and highlight product features in a sensational way.
Literature
- Many literary works use exaggeration, or hyperbole, to convey strong emotions or highlight character traits.
- Famous examples include 'The Adventures of Pinocchio', where the protagonist's nose grows long with each lie, dramatically exaggerating the concept of dishonesty.
- Poets often employ exaggerated imagery to create strong visual effects and emotional responses, making their work more impactful.
Everyday Language
- People commonly use exaggeration in everyday conversations, like saying, 'I waited an eternity,' to express impatience.
- This word often appears in idioms, such as 'jumping on the bandwagon,' where the idea is often more dramatic than the reality.
- Exaggeration is a key feature of persuasive language, helping speakers make their points more compelling and memorable.
Translations
Translations of the word "exaggeration" in other languages:
🇵🇹 exagero
🇮🇳 अतिशयोक्ति
🇩🇪 Übertreibung
🇮🇩 berlebihan
🇺🇦 перебільшення
🇵🇱 przesada
🇯🇵 誇張 (こちょう)
🇫🇷 exagération
🇪🇸 exageración
🇹🇷 abartı
🇰🇷 과장 (gwajang)
🇸🇦 مبالغة
🇨🇿 přehánění
🇸🇰 preháňanie
🇨🇳 夸张 (kuāzhāng)
🇸🇮 pretiravanje
🇮🇸 ýkjur
🇰🇿 асыра сілтеу
🇬🇪 გადაჭარბება
🇦🇿 şişirtmə
🇲🇽 exageración