What does HYPERBOLE mean? -- Learn English words with Mr Duncan

Here is an interesting English word that is often used when we wish to state that something said or written is exaggerated.

A thing that sounds impressive or noteworthy, but is in fact an overstatement of what will actually happen as a result.

The word is ‘hyperbole’.

The word ‘hyperbole’ is a noun that means an overstatement or an exaggerated comment put forward as an intention that will never be put into practice.

To exaggerate is to make something appear more than it actually is.

As in the exaggeration of one's wealth or someone's ability.

To overstate something intended or planned is hyperbole.

This type of action is often done so as to create an impact and as an outcome, leave a lasting impression.

Of course, the problem with exaggerating is eventually people will figure out the overstatement and call it out as ‘hyperbole’.

To put something forward as a statement in terms of a plan or proposal

will often lead to a certain amount of hyperbole being used.

These plans will eventually be seen as either outrageous or simply impossible to achieve in reality, and will most likely be forgotten over time.

Hyperbole is often used by officials in power, or by politicians hoping to put themselves forward as a no-nonsense person.

It would be fair to say that we all exaggerate from time to time.

However, the use of hyperbole is often seen as disingenuous and sometimes sinister

as it is often used to create shock or gain notoriety in the public domain.

So the next time you hear a statement that appears to be too good to be true or wildly exaggerated, there is a good chance that hyperbole is being used.

Synonyms of ‘hyperbole’ include rhetoric, hype, overstatement, exaggeration, embellishment, and distortion.

The word itself derives from Greek and literally means...

‘a far throw’.