exaggeration
ihg-zad-zhuh-RAY-shuhn
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.”
noun
1
A statement or description that overstates the truth, making something seem bigger or more extreme than it is.
"Calling it "the worst day of my life" was a bit of an exaggeration — the bus was just late."
"It's no exaggeration to say the concert changed how she saw music."
How to use exaggeration
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe act of overstating something, or an overstated claim itself.
Common pairings
without exaggeration
no exaggeration
gross exaggeration
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Word forms
- Plural
- exaggerations
Fill the gap
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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
View more →Antonyms
trivialization
understatement
Related words
Rhymes for exaggeration
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all 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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