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Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.
synonyms:exaggerationoverstatement
The term 'hyperbole' comes from the Greek word 'hyperbole', meaning 'excess' or 'exaggeration'. It has been used in English since the late 15th century.
Hyperbole is commonly used in everyday language, literature, and rhetoric to create emphasis or a dramatic effect.
While not used in every conversation, hyperbole is prevalent in casual speech, advertising, and literary contexts.
I'm so hungry I could eat a horse!
He's older than the hills!
This bag weighs a ton!
Hyperbole is a fun and colorful word that describes an artistic exaggeration. It's often used in everyday speech and writing to emphasize a point, evoke humor, or create a dramatic effect. The word traces its roots back to ancient Greece, where it referred to a 'throwing beyond'—aptly capturing the essence of going overboard with descriptions. Whether you're telling a tale about your last vacation or trying to impress your friends with your storytelling, hyperbole adds a delightful flair to your language!