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Overstatement: meaning, definitions and examples

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overstatement

 

[ ˈoʊvərˌsteɪtmənt ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

in conversation

An overstatement is a statement that exaggerates or inflates the truth, often to make a point more dramatic or persuasive. It is a form of hyperbole that can mislead or overemphasize a situation or fact.

Synonyms

embellishment, exaggeration, hyperbole.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
overstatement

When someone describes something in a way that makes it seem more important or serious than it actually is. Generally used in more formal contexts or when discussing the accuracy of information.

  • The report's claims about the economic impact were an overstatement.
  • Saying it was a 'disaster' is an overstatement.
exaggeration

When something is described in a way that makes it seem larger, better, worse, etc., than it really is. Commonly used in casual contexts and has a negative connotation when it implies dishonesty.

  • Calling him the best player ever is an exaggeration.
  • Her tale of the haunted house was a bit of an exaggeration.
hyperbole

An extreme form of exaggeration used for effect or emphasis, often seen in literature, rhetoric, or casual conversation to be dramatic or humorous.

  • Saying 'I'm so hungry I could eat a horse' is a classic example of hyperbole.
  • The author's use of hyperbole made the story more engaging.
embellishment

When adding extra details to a story or statement to make it more interesting or entertaining, often used in a more neutral or positive sense.

  • His anecdote was full of embellishments to keep us laughing.
  • The chef's description of the dish had some embellishments.

Examples of usage

  • The politician's claim that he had single-handedly solved all the country's problems was clearly an overstatement.
  • She said the movie was the best she had ever seen, but I think that might have been an overstatement.
  • His boast about being the fastest runner in the school was an overstatement; he wasn't even on the track team.
  • The advertisement's claim that their product could make you look 10 years younger seemed like an overstatement.
  • It's important to be truthful in your statements and avoid unnecessary overstatements.

Translations

Translations of the word "overstatement" in other languages:

🇵🇹 exagero

🇮🇳 अतिशयोक्ति

🇩🇪 Übertreibung

🇮🇩 berlebihan

🇺🇦 перебільшення

🇵🇱 przesada

🇯🇵 誇張

🇫🇷 exagération

🇪🇸 exageración

🇹🇷 abartı

🇰🇷 과장

🇸🇦 مبالغة

🇨🇿 přehánění

🇸🇰 preháňanie

🇨🇳 夸张

🇸🇮 pretiravanje

🇮🇸 ýkjur

🇰🇿 асыра сілтеу

🇬🇪 გადაჭარბება

🇦🇿 şişirtmə

🇲🇽 exageración

Etymology

The word 'overstatement' originated from the combination of 'over-' (excessive, beyond) and 'statement' (a declaration or assertion). It has been used in the English language since the mid-1800s. Overstatements are commonly used in literature, rhetoric, and everyday conversation to add emphasis or impact to a point being made.

See also: instatement, interstate, misstate, overstate, overstated, reinstate, restate, restatement, stated, stately, statement, statements, stateroom, statesman, understate, understated, unstated.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,710, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.