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hyperbole

Noun

IPA /haɪˈpɜːbəli/

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Meaning in plain English

Deliberate exaggeration used in speech or writing for emphasis or effect, rather than as a literal statement.

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Pronunciation

hyperbole/haɪˈpɜːbəli/

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My bag weighs a tonne!
A heavy bag, far below a tonne

Hyperbole deliberately exaggerates to make a point.

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Examples in context

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Saying that my bag weighs a tonne is obvious hyperbole.
The students identified hyperbole in the advertisement's extravagant claims.

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Saying that my bag weighs a tonne is obvious ________.

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hyperbole — Deliberate exaggeration used in speech or writing for emphasis or effect, rather than as a literal statement.

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Deliberate exaggeration used in speech or writing for emphasis or effect, rather than as a literal statement.

Compare: Saying that my bag weighs a tonne is obvious hyperbole.

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Word origin

Through Latin from Greek hyperbole, meaning excess, from elements meaning above and throw.

Did you know?

Statements such as I have told you a million times use hyperbole for emphasis.

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