Exaggeration
ɪɡˌzædʒəˈreɪʃən
Definitions
The act of making something seem larger, better, or worse than it actually is; a statement that represents something as better or worse than it really is.
ɪɡˌzædʒəˈreɪʃən
A statement that represents something as better or worse than it really is.
His claim of having walked a hundred miles was a clear exaggeration.
💡 Simply: Think of it like this: if someone says, "I almost died laughing!" when they just chuckled, that's an exaggeration. They're making it sound much more extreme than it actually was.
👶 For kids: When you say something is a LOT bigger or more amazing than it really is.
More Examples
The politician's speech contained many exaggerations about the economy.
She admitted her fear was an exaggeration born from the movie.
How It's Used
"The news reported an exaggeration of the damage caused by the storm."
"Hyperbole is a form of exaggeration used to create a dramatic effect."
Idioms & expressions
to be an exaggeration
To be an instance of exaggerating something; not literally true or accurate.
"Saying he’s the smartest person alive is an exaggeration."
to be an exaggeration of the truth
An embellished or overstated version of a factual event.
"The story was entertaining, but to say it was an exaggeration of the truth is an understatement."
From Latin exaggerare ('to heap up, amplify'), from ex- ('out') + aggerare ('to heap up'), from agger ('heap'). The word entered English in the late 16th century.
The word 'exaggeration' gained more widespread use in the 19th and 20th centuries, reflecting an increasing focus on the accuracy and truthfulness of information.
Memory tip
Imagine a rubber band stretched way too far – it's an exaggeration!
Word Origin
"to heap up, amplify"