Exaggerated
ɪɡˈzædʒəreɪtɪd
Definitions
Represented as being larger, better, or worse than is actually the case; overstated.
ɪɡˈzædʒəreɪtɪd
Represented as larger, better, or worse than it really is.
He gave an exaggerated account of his adventures.
💡 Simply: Imagine your friend says they saw a fish as big as a car. That's exaggerated! It means something is described as bigger or more important than it really is, like when you tell a story and make it sound more exciting than it was.
👶 For kids: When something is exaggerated, it means it's made to look bigger or more than it really is, like when you say you have a million toys.
More Examples
Her response was an exaggerated reaction to a minor problem.
The artist uses exaggerated proportions in his sculptures.
The rumors of the company's financial troubles were exaggerated.
How It's Used
"The newspaper used exaggerated claims to sell more papers."
"The author's description of the storm was exaggerated for dramatic effect."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
an exaggeration
A statement that represents something as better or worse than it is; a hyperbole.
"That's a slight exaggeration to say I never help."
to exaggerate the truth
To make the truth sound more interesting or significant by adding details or exaggerating aspects.
"He often exaggerates the truth to impress his friends."
From Latin *exaggerare* ('to heap up, magnify'), from *ex-* ('out') + *aggerare* ('to heap up, accumulate'), from *agger* ('heap, mound').
The word has been used since the 16th century. Shakespeare employed the term in some of his plays, often in the context of overly dramatic or theatrical presentations.
Memory tip
Think of a cartoon character whose facial features are ridiculously large – an exaggerated feature.
Word Origin
"to heap up, accumulate"