What does exaggerate mean Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ɛɡˈzædʒəreɪt/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Verb

Definition

To represent something as being larger, more extreme, or more intense than it really is, often for emphasis or effect.

Examples

• She exaggerated the size of the fish she caught.
• He tends to exaggerate his accomplishments.

Synonyms

• Overstate
• Embellish
• Hyperbolize

Antonyms

• Understate
• Downplay
• Minimize

Additional Information

Exaggeration is a common literary device used in writing and speech to add emphasis or create a strong impression. However, it can also be used to deceive or mislead others. In everyday conversation, people often use exaggeration to make a point or add humor to a story.

Exaggeration can take many forms, including hyperbole, which is a figure of speech that involves an obvious exaggeration used for emphasis or effect. For example, saying “I’m so hungry I could eat a whole elephant” is an exaggeration used to convey extreme hunger.

Exaggeration can also be used in art, music, and other forms of creative expression to create a dramatic or emotional effect. However, in some cases, exaggeration can be misleading or deceptive, and it’s essential to be aware of the context and intent behind the exaggeration.

Eymology

The word “exaggerate” comes from the Latin words “ex” meaning “beyond” and “aggerare” meaning “to heap up”. The word has been used in the English language since the 15th century.

Usage Notes

Exaggeration can be used in various contexts, including formal and informal writing, speech, and conversation. However, it’s essential to use exaggeration judiciously and be aware of the audience and purpose of the communication.

Cultural References

Exaggeration is a common theme in literature, art, and popular culture. For example, the character of Pinocchio is known for his tendency to exaggerate, and the phrase “his nose grew longer” has become a common idiom for exaggeration.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• “To make a mountain out of a molehill” (to exaggerate a problem or issue)
• “To blow something out of proportion” (to exaggerate or distort something)

Related Words or Phrases

• Hyperbole
• Embellish
• Overstate

Collocations

• Exaggerate a problem
• Exaggerate a feature
• Exaggerate a benefit

Frequency of Use

The word “exaggerate” is commonly used in everyday conversation and writing. According to the Corpus of Contemporary American English, the word “exaggerate” is used approximately 1.5 times per million words.

Common Misspellings

• Exagerate
• Exagerrate
• Exagerate