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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

Definition

Overstating something.
Extreme exaggeration for effect.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023

Intent

Can be intentional or unintentional.
Always intentional.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023

Use in Literature

Broad term; not specific to literature.
Literary device used for emphasis.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023

Recognizability

Can be mistaken for truth.
Easily identified as non-literal.
Aimie Carlson
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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Hyperbole

An extreme magnification beyond reality.
The bag weighed a ton.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 07, 2023

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

Exaggeration

To make overstatements.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Hyperbole

Deliberate or unintentional overstatement, particularly extreme overstatement.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Exaggeration

The act of heaping or piling up.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Hyperbole

(countable) An instance or example of such 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

Hyperbole

A hyperbola.
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 heaping or piling up.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023

Hyperbole

Extravagant exaggeration
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

Extravagant exaggeration
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

Exaggeration

Making to seem more important than it really is
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 Riaz
Sawaira 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 Saeed
Huma 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.

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