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hyperbole
IPA:
Dictionary definition of hyperbole
A figure of speech in which exaggeration is used for emphasis or effect.
"He used hyperbole to describe the size of the fish he caught."
Detailed meaning of hyperbole
It is an exaggeration beyond what is actually true or possible, in order to create emphasis or added effect. The term comes from the Greek word "hyperbólein" which means "to throw beyond."
Hyperbole is often used in literature, poetry, speeches, and everyday conversation, as a tool to add emphasis, express strong emotions, or to create a memorable image. It is a way to make a point in a more dramatic or striking way, making it more memorable. Hyperbole can be used for comedic, satirical, or serious purposes.
Examples of hyperbole can be found in phrases such as "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse", "I've told you a million times", "I've been waiting forever." In these cases, the speaker doesn't literally mean they are going to eat a horse, or that they've been waiting for an infinite amount of time.
Hyperbole is often used in literature, poetry, speeches, and everyday conversation, as a tool to add emphasis, express strong emotions, or to create a memorable image. It can be used for comedic, satirical, or serious purposes, but it should not be confused with lies or deception.
Example sentences containing hyperbole
1. The politician's speech was filled with exaggerated hyperbole, making it difficult to discern the truth.
2. She used hyperbole to describe the concert as the greatest performance in the history of music.
3. The author's use of hyperbole added a touch of humor to the story.
4. The salesman's hyperbole about the product's capabilities raised doubts among potential buyers.
5. The comedian's exaggerated hyperbole had the audience laughing uncontrollably.
6. The critic accused the artist of relying too heavily on hyperbole to create impact.
History and etymology of hyperbole
The noun 'hyperbole' has its etymological roots in ancient Greek. It is derived from the Greek word 'hyperbolē,' which combines 'hyper,' meaning 'beyond,' and 'ballein,' meaning 'to throw' or 'to cast.' In the context of language and rhetoric, 'hyperbole' refers to a figure of speech in which exaggeration is used for emphasis or effect. It involves stretching the truth or making extravagant claims to convey a point or create a vivid impression. The term 'hyperbole' underscores the idea of going beyond the ordinary or expected limits of language to make a point more forcefully, often in a dramatic or exaggerated manner. Thus, the etymology of 'hyperbole' reflects its historical connection to the notion of throwing words or descriptions beyond their usual boundaries to achieve rhetorical impact, as conveyed by its linguistic heritage.
Further usage examples of hyperbole
1. The hyperbole in the advertisement made it hard to believe the product's claims.
2. His constant hyperbole about his own achievements made him appear boastful and insincere.
3. The hyperbole in her statement undermined the validity of her argument.
4. The book was filled with vivid descriptions and hyperbole, capturing the reader's imagination.
5. The hyperbole in the movie's tagline promised an epic cinematic experience.
6. The hyperbole used in the news headline exaggerated the severity of the situation.
7. His hyperbole about the team's success proved to be unfounded when they lost the game.
8. The politician's campaign was built on hyperbole, promising unrealistic solutions to complex problems.
9. The author's exaggerated hyperbole in the novel created a sense of grandeur and extravagance.
10. The hyperbole in his speech generated excitement and enthusiasm among the crowd.
11. The teacher warned the students against using hyperbole in their essays, encouraging them to stick to facts.
12. The hyperbole in the advertisement caught people's attention, but some found it misleading.
13. The poet's use of hyperbole heightened the emotions and intensity of the poem.
14. The hyperbole in his story made it entertaining, but it was clear he was embellishing the truth.
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GRE 14 (Graduate Record Examination), Abundance and Excess, Communication and Expression, Emotional Intensity and Reactions, Exaggeration and Grandiosity
inflation,rhetoric
aggrandizement,amplification,embellishment,enlargement,exaggeration,extravagance,hype,magnification,overemphasis,overexaggeration,overstatement
Synonyms for hyperbole
Quiz categories containing hyperbole
exaggeration, understatement, literalism, accuracy
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