Exaggeration vs. Hyperbole: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 7, 2023
"Exaggeration" is the act of making something seem more significant than it is, while "Hyperbole" is a figure of speech that uses extreme exaggeration for emphasis or effect.
Key Differences
"Exaggeration" refers to any overstating or magnification of a statement, fact, or description. "Hyperbole," on the other hand, is a deliberate, stylistic tool used in literature and rhetoric for emphasis, typically found in idiomatic expressions.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
While both "Exaggeration" and "Hyperbole" involve overstatement, "Exaggeration" can be intentional or unintentional. In contrast, "Hyperbole" is always intentional and is often used for comedic or dramatic effect.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
People might use "Exaggeration" in daily conversation to emphasize a point or to describe something more impressively. However, when someone uses "Hyperbole", they aren't expecting the listener to take the statement literally; it's meant for dramatic flair.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
In terms of literary devices, "Hyperbole" has a set place, especially in poetry, to elicit strong emotions or create a vivid image for the reader. "Exaggeration" doesn't hold the same stylistic function in literature but is rather a broader term encompassing all forms of overstating.
Janet White
Oct 07, 2023
Another differentiation point between "Exaggeration" and "Hyperbole" lies in recognition. While "Exaggerations" can sometimes be mistaken for truth, "Hyperboles" are so extreme that they're generally easily identified as non-literal statements.
Sara Rehman
Oct 07, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Use in Literature
Broad term; not specific to literature.
Literary device used for emphasis.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Function
Magnifies or diminishes.
Evokes strong emotion or creates vivid imagery.
Janet White
Oct 07, 2023
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Exaggeration and Hyperbole Definitions
Exaggeration
Representing in excessive terms.
The movie's plot was pure exaggeration.
Harlon Moss
Oct 07, 2023
Hyperbole
Exaggerated statements not meant to be taken literally.
I'm so hungry I could eat a horse.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Exaggeration
The act of overstating or overemphasizing.
He's always exaggerating his achievements.
Harlon Moss
Oct 07, 2023
Hyperbole
A means of expressing strong feelings or creating a strong impression.
Her beauty was beyond hyperbole.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Exaggeration
Magnifying beyond the limits of truth.
Her story was a wild exaggeration of the facts.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
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Exaggeration
Making something appear larger or greater.
His estimate was a slight exaggeration.
Harlon Moss
Oct 07, 2023
Hyperbole
A figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration for emphasis.
I've told you a million times to clean your room!
Aimie Carlson
Oct 07, 2023
Exaggeration
Extending beyond the proper degree.
His reaction was an exaggeration to a simple joke.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 07, 2023
Hyperbole
An overstatement to make a point.
It took him ages to finish the task.
Janet White
Oct 07, 2023
Exaggeration
To consider, represent, or cause to appear as larger, more important, or more extreme than is actually the case; overstate
Exaggerated his own role in the episode.
Exaggerated the size of the enemy force.
Exaggerated how difficult the project would be.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Hyperbole
A figure of speech in which exaggeration is used for emphasis or effect, as in I could sleep for a year or This book weighs a ton.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Hyperbole
Deliberate or unintentional overstatement, particularly extreme overstatement.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Exaggeration
The act of exaggerating; the act of doing or representing in an excessive manner; a going beyond the bounds of truth, reason, or justice; a hyperbolical representation; hyperbole; overstatement.
They say he's a millionnaire, but that's a massive exaggeration.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Exaggeration
A representation of things beyond natural life, in expression, beauty, power, vigor.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Hyperbole
A figure of speech in which the expression is an evident exaggeration of the meaning intended to be conveyed, or by which things are represented as much greater or less, better or worse, than they really are; a statement exaggerated fancifully, through excitement, or for effect.
Our common forms of compliment are almost all of them extravagant hyperboles.
Somebody has said of the boldest figure in rhetoric, the hyperbole, that it lies without deceiving.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Exaggeration
The act of exaggerating; the act of doing or representing in an excessive manner; a going beyond the bounds of truth reason, or justice; a hyperbolical representation; hyperbole; overstatement.
No need of an exaggeration of what they saw.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Exaggeration
A representation of things beyond natural life, in expression, beauty, power, vigor.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Exaggeration
The act of making something more noticeable than usual;
The dance involved a deliberate exaggeration of his awkwardness
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
FAQs
Why is hyperbole used in literature?
Hyperbole is used for emphasis, to evoke strong emotions, or to create a vivid image.
Harlon Moss
Oct 07, 2023
Are all hyperboles exaggerations?
Yes, all hyperboles are forms of exaggeration, but not all exaggerations are hyperboles.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Is hyperbole common in poetry?
Yes, hyperbole is a popular literary device in poetry for emphasis.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Is overstatement synonymous with exaggeration?
Yes, overstatement is another term for exaggeration.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 07, 2023
Can exaggerations be unintentional?
Yes, exaggerations can be either intentional or unintentional.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Can an exaggeration be believed as truth?
Yes, some exaggerations might be perceived as truth if not too overstated.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Can hyperbole be used in formal writing?
While it can be used, it's less common in formal writing than in literature or casual conversation.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Is hyperbole meant to be taken literally?
No, hyperbole is an extreme exaggeration not intended for literal interpretation.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 07, 2023
Are exaggerations always verbal?
No, exaggerations can be presented in various ways, including visually.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 07, 2023
Does exaggeration have a place in factual reporting?
Ideally, factual reporting
Sara Rehman
Oct 07, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
