exaggeration
Exaggeration (noun) means a statement or description that overstates the truth, making something seem bigger or more extreme than it is. Example: “Calling it "the worst day of my life" was a bit of an exaggeration — the bus was just late.”
How to Use Exaggeration
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe act of overstating something, or an overstated claim itself.
Word Forms
exaggerations plural
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
Calling it "the worst day of my life" was a bit of an _____ — the bus was just late.
Etymology
From Latin exaggeratio, "a piling up," from exaggerare (see "exaggerate").
Synonyms
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Related Words
Rhymes for exaggeration
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “exaggeration” mean?
The word “exaggeration” means a statement or description that overstates the truth, making something seem bigger or more extreme than it is. In plain terms, the act of overstating something, or an overstated claim itself.
How do you pronounce “exaggeration”?
“Exaggeration” is pronounced ihg-zad-zhuh-RAY-shuhn (/ɪɡˌzæd͡ʒəˈɹeɪʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “exaggeration” in a sentence?
Here is “exaggeration” used in a sentence: “Calling it "the worst day of my life" was a bit of an exaggeration — the bus was just late.”
What is another word for “exaggeration”?
Words with a similar meaning to “exaggeration” include overstatement and hyperbole.
What is the opposite of “exaggeration”?
The opposite of “exaggeration” — its antonyms — are trivialization and understatement.
What part of speech is “exaggeration”?
“Exaggeration” is a noun.
Where does the word “exaggeration” come from?
The word “exaggeration” comes from Latin. From Latin exaggeratio, "a piling up," from exaggerare (see "exaggerate").
Is “exaggeration” a common word?
“Exaggeration” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
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