What does hyperbole mean?
Hyperbole is a figure of speech in which a person deliberately exaggerates something to create emphasis, drama, humour, or emotional impact. Saying that a minor inconvenience is “the worst thing that has ever happened” may be hyperbole: the statement is meant to communicate strong feeling, not to make a serious factual assertion. The term is often used to describe vivid speech in everyday conversation, literature, advertising, and political rhetoric. Hyperbole differs from an ordinary error or falsehood because exaggeration is usually part of the intended effect, and audiences recognize that they are not expected to interpret it literally. It can also be used critically, as when a speaker is accused of resorting to hyperbole to persuade an audience through exaggeration. The word ultimately comes from a Greek term meaning “throwing beyond” or “overthrowing,” reflecting the idea of carrying language beyond ordinary limits.
nounAn obvious exaggeration used for emphasis, effect, or dramatic effect, rather than intended to be taken literally.
- An obvious exaggeration used for emphasis, effect, or dramatic effect.
"His claim that the wait was longer than a century was plainly hyperbole."
"The advertisement is full of hyperbole, claiming that its product will transform your life overnight."
"Her description of the traffic as a complete catastrophe was an example of playful hyperbole."
Plural form of hyperbole; the final “e” is retained before the plural suffix.
"The writer's frequent hyperboles made every complaint sound world-ending."
Hyperbole is the language of “I could scream”: exaggeration that makes a feeling impossible to miss.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hyperbole come from?
Hyperbole comes from the Greek hyperbolē, meaning “a throwing beyond” or “overthrowing.” It is built from hyper-, meaning “over” or “beyond,” and ballein, “to throw.” The same Greek root underlies the mathematical term hyperbola, a curve whose name refers to its being “thrown beyond” or beyond the center, and related forms such as hyperbolic and hyperbolism.
Related word forms
How hyperbole is actually used
Hyperbole is common in everyday speech, literature, advertising, and political rhetoric. It is not necessarily insincere: it may be humorous, persuasive, affectionate, or deliberately extravagant, but it is normally understood as an exaggeration rather than a literal claim.
Easily confused with hyperbole
A metaphor compares two unlike things for the effect of the comparison, whereas hyperbole is an exaggeration used for emphasis or dramatic effect.