Exaggeration: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

• Saying it was the 'best party ever' might be an exaggeration
• He tends to exaggerate the details to make his stories more interesting

Used when someone describes something in a way that makes it seem more serious or important than it really is, often unintentionally misleading.

• Calling that movie 'the greatest of all time' is an overstatement
• His claim about the product's effectiveness was an overstatement

Used when talking about an obvious and intentional exaggeration, often for effect or humor, rather than deception.

• Saying 'I'm so hungry I could eat a horse' is a hyperbole
• The speech was filled with hyperbole to drive the point home

Used when someone adds extra details to make something more attractive or interesting, but not necessarily to mislead.

• Her story about the trip was full of embellishments
• The artist added some embellishments to the painting to give it more character

Used when describing something blown out of proportion, usually for effect or emphasis. It may not be humorous or artistic.

• He told me he caught a fish that was six feet long, but I think it was a huge exaggeration.
• The way she described the party was an exaggeration; it wasn't that exciting.

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.

• The cartoonist drew a caricature of the politician with an enormous nose and tiny eyes.
• His speech turned into a caricature of what a real debate should be.

Used when imitating the style of something or someone in a humorous or satirical way, often to critique or poke fun at the original.

• The movie was a parody of classic horror films.
• He wrote a parody song about the recent political events.

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.

• Jonathan Swift's 'A Modest Proposal' is a famous piece of satire.
• The TV show uses satire to comment on current social issues.

When you want to describe a situation where someone makes something seem more important or serious than it really is.

• She said the movie was the best ever, but that was just a bit of exaggeration
• He tends to use exaggeration to make his stories more interesting

When referring to comments or statements that portray something as more significant than it actually is, often with a slightly critical tone.

• Calling the event a disaster was an overstatement; it was just a minor issue
• Her claim that it was the 'greatest show on earth' was a bit of an overstatement

In a context where deliberate and obvious overstatement is used for effect, often in literature or everyday speech for humor or emphasis.

• I'm so hungry I could eat a horse is a common hyperbole
• In his speech, he used hyperbole to make his point very clear

When discussing the addition of details to make something more attractive or interesting, often in the context of storytelling or describing events.

• The tale had a few embellishments to make it more exciting
• She added some embellishment to the dress to make it look fancier