Exaggerate
ɪɡˈzædʒəreɪt
Definitions
To make something seem larger, better, or worse than it actually is; overstate.
ɪɡˈzædʒəreɪt
To represent something as being larger, better, or worse than it really is.
She tends to exaggerate the difficulties she faces.
💡 Simply: Imagine telling your friend you walked a mile, but actually, it was just around the block. When you stretch the truth like that, you're exaggerating.
👶 For kids: To make something seem bigger or more exciting than it really is.
More Examples
I think you're exaggerating the risk.
The brochure exaggerates the benefits of the product.
He has a tendency to exaggerate when telling stories.
How It's Used
"He tends to exaggerate his accomplishments to impress people."
"The news media often exaggerates the severity of events to capture attention."
"The author uses hyperbole to exaggerate the character's emotions."
Idioms & expressions
to stretch the truth
To exaggerate or not tell the complete truth.
"He admitted he was stretching the truth when he said he finished the project on time."
a tall tale
A story that is difficult to believe because it is exaggerated or untrue.
"The explorer's account of his journey was filled with tall tales about giant animals."
From Latin exaggerare, meaning "to heap up, amplify." It developed through Middle French and English, originally relating to amplification or increase and later encompassing the distortion of truth.
The word's use has remained consistent over time, although it's become increasingly common in modern communication and media contexts.
Memory tip
Imagine a magnifying glass that makes things look bigger than they are – that's exaggerating!