hyperbole

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'hyperbole' is correct and usable in written English.
Hyperbole is a figure of speech that use exaggerated words or phrases to emphasize a point or to evoke strong emotions. It is often used in fiction, literature, and everyday speech. You could use it to emphasize an emotion or a point that you are trying to make. For example, you could say, "It was so hot in the room that I felt like I was in a sauna!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They're already red-lining the hyperbole pretty hard.

The Guardian

Paul walked back that statement on Monday, telling a Fox News interviewer "hyperbole can get the better of anyone", but the remark gave a glimpse into what critics insist is the senator's achilles heel: a susceptibility to the charge that he is a radical, fringe candidate cut from the same cloth as his father.

The Guardian

Still, the fact that a feminist website had paid to see this was catnip to those who stirred the pot with lots of hyperbole about the extent to which Dunham had been retouched.

The Guardian - Arts

As a fan, and I'm a huge fan of Hegarty's, it's hard not to descend into hyperbole when it comes to his most beautiful songs: "Hope There's Someone" from I Am A Bird; "One Dove" from 2009's The Crying Light; the exquisite "My Lord, My Love" from the deluxe edition of the latest album, Swanlights.

The Guardian - Music

For a union that, in less than 25 years, has had to cope with the end of the cold war, the expansion from 12 to 28 members, the struggle to create a single currency and, most recently, the eurozone crisis, such a claim risks accusations of hyperbole.

The Guardian - Opinion

Bearing in mind that this is a time of rampant hyperbole, Smith even suggested the hate had gone up a level.

The Guardian - Sport

The household charge could be the greatest error of the Fine Gael-Labour coalition's first year in office, and has already been compared (with a more than touch of hyperbole) to Margaret Thatcher's poll tax.

The Guardian

The most enjoyable of these remains The Worst Journey in the World, a title which is no mere hyperbole.

The Guardian - Books

For those given to hyperbole, Sulaimaan Samuel's job could be seen as being on the frontline of a clash of civilisations.

The Guardian

The dark side of fashion you mention is exaggerated, simply a part of the hyperbole that lies at the heart of any world that sells newspapers, magazines and billions of products every day.

The Guardian - Opinion

Abbott is not the first prime minister to speak what is, arguably, historically spurious, sentimentally inspired, hyperbole.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "hyperbole" intentionally to create emphasis or humor. Ensure the exaggeration is clear and serves a purpose in your writing.

Common error

Don't present "hyperbole" as a deliberate lie. While it's an exaggeration, it should be obvious and not intended to deceive. "Hyperbole" aims to emphasize, not misinform.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "hyperbole" is as a noun, referring to the deliberate overstatement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes a figure of speech used for emphasis. Examples show it used to describe the language employed or to criticize someone's statement as exaggerated.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "hyperbole" functions as a noun describing the act of exaggeration for emphasis. As Ludwig AI's analysis confirms, "hyperbole" is grammatically correct and very common, particularly in News & Media. When using "hyperbole", consider alternatives like "exaggeration" or "overstatement". Effective use involves intentional exaggeration for emphasis, while avoiding its application in contexts demanding strict accuracy. Keep in mind to use it sparingly, as overuse diminishes its effectiveness, as it's meant to emphasize.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exaggeration

Replaces the term with a more general word for overstating something.

overstatement

Focuses on the act of stating something beyond reality.

extravagant language

Emphasizes the excessive and elaborate nature of the language used.

rhetorical inflation

Highlights the inflated or exaggerated nature of the rhetoric.

amplification

Indicates an increase or expansion of details beyond what is necessary.

embellishment

Suggests adding decorative details that may not be entirely true.

stretching the truth

Implies that the speaker is bending or distorting the facts.

figurative language

Broader term that encompasses "hyperbole" and other figures of speech, less precise.

over-the-top statement

Highlights the extreme nature of the statement.

dramatic flair

Focuses on the theatrical and exaggerated style.

FAQs

How can I use "hyperbole" effectively in writing?

Use "hyperbole" to emphasize a point or create a humorous effect. Ensure the exaggeration is obvious and serves a clear purpose. Alternatives like "exaggeration" or "overstatement" may also be appropriate depending on context.

What's the difference between "hyperbole" and lying?

"Hyperbole" is an obvious exaggeration not meant to be taken literally, while a lie is a deliberate misrepresentation of facts. "Hyperbole" enhances expression, but lying intends to deceive.

What are some common examples of "hyperbole"?

Examples include phrases like "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse" or "I've told you a million times". These statements are clearly exaggerated for emphasis.

When is it inappropriate to use "hyperbole"?

Avoid using "hyperbole" in situations where accuracy is crucial, such as scientific reports or legal documents. In such contexts, precise language is essential, and exaggeration can be misleading. Using alternatives such as "accurate descriptions" is crucial in this situation.