Exaggerations: meaning, definitions and examples
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exaggerations
[ ɪɡˌzædʒəˈreɪʃənz ]
in storytelling
Exaggerations are statements that overemphasize or inflate the truth for dramatic effect.
Synonyms
embellishment, hyperbole, overstatement.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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exaggerations |
Often used when someone is making something seem larger, more important, or worse than it actually is. It can be either intentional or unintentional and often has a negative connotation.
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overstatement |
Used similarly to exaggeration but often emphasizes the fact that something is being made to seem more important or serious than it really is. It usually carries a negative connotation.
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hyperbole |
Refers to an intentional and obvious exaggeration used for emphasis or humorous effect. It is often used in literature and everyday speech to create strong impressions.
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embellishment |
Used when someone adds extra details to something, often to make it sound more interesting or exciting. This term can sometimes be neutral or have a slightly positive connotation, depending on the context.
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Examples of usage
- He claimed to have caught a fish as big as a whale, but it was just an exaggeration.
- She always adds exaggerations to her stories to make them more interesting.
- The tall tales were filled with exaggerations about their adventures.
in statistics
Exaggerations refer to errors in data or results that involve overstating or magnifying the numbers.
Synonyms
inflation, overestimation, overstatement.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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exaggerations |
Redundant entry; see above. |
overestimation |
Used when someone judges something to be greater or more important than it actually is.
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inflation |
Mostly used in economic contexts to describe the increase in prices and decrease in the purchasing value of money. It can also refer to making something appear more significant than it is, but is less common in this sense.
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overstatement |
Used to describe a statement that makes something seem larger or more important than it is. Often implies an intent to mislead or a lack of realism.
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Examples of usage
- The study's findings were called into question due to possible exaggerations in the data.
- It is important to check for exaggerations in the reports to ensure accuracy.
- The exaggerations in the financial statements led to an investigation.
general usage
To exaggerate means to overstate or magnify the truth in a way that distorts reality.
Synonyms
embellish, inflate, overstate.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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exaggerations |
Exaggerations are often used when someone is making a statement or telling a story that is stretched beyond the actual facts for effect, sometimes humorously or to impress others.
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overstate |
Overstate is used when someone describes something as being more significant, serious, or important than it really is. It has a negative connotation of being misleading or excessive.
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embellish |
Embellish is often used when someone adds extra details to make a story or statement more interesting or attractive. It can be used positively when speaking about enhancing something, but may have a negative connotation if the added details are seen as unnecessary or misleading.
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inflate |
Inflate is commonly used when discussing the act of increasing or enlarging something, especially beyond what is normal or reasonable. It can refer to physical objects or abstract concepts, such as prices or egos. It often carries a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- He tends to exaggerate his accomplishments to impress others.
- She exaggerated the size of the fish she caught to make the story more exciting.
- Don't exaggerate the facts just to make your point.
Translations
Translations of the word "exaggerations" in other languages:
🇵🇹 exageros
🇮🇳 अतिशयोक्ति
🇩🇪 Übertreibungen
🇮🇩 berlebihan
🇺🇦 перебільшення
🇵🇱 przesady
🇯🇵 誇張
🇫🇷 exagérations
🇪🇸 exageraciones
🇹🇷 abartılar
🇰🇷 과장
🇸🇦 مبالغات
🇨🇿 přehánění
🇸🇰 preháňanie
🇨🇳 夸张
🇸🇮 pretiravanja
🇮🇸 ýkjur
🇰🇿 асыра сілтеу
🇬🇪 გადაჭარბებები
🇦🇿 şişirtmələr
🇲🇽 exageraciones
Etymology
The word 'exaggerations' is derived from the Latin word 'exaggeratio,' which means 'a magnifying.' The concept of exaggeration has been used in storytelling and communication for centuries, allowing people to add drama and interest to their narratives. In literature, exaggerations can be found in various forms, from hyperbolic descriptions to embellished accounts of events. In modern usage, exaggerations are often used for comedic effect or to emphasize a point, although they can also be misleading if taken too far.
Word Frequency Rank
Positioned at #23,896, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.
- ...
- 23893 enamoured
- 23894 basking
- 23895 unassailable
- 23896 exaggerations
- 23897 swapping
- 23898 holiest
- 23899 replaceable
- ...