hyperbole
deliberate exaggeration used for emphasis or effect
Word origin: From Greek hyperbole, excess, from hyper, beyond, plus ballein, to throw.
Hyperbole in a sentence
Here are example sentences showing hyperbole in a sentence.
Saying he was so hungry he could eat a horse was pure hyperbole.
To call a minor delay the worst disaster in history is obvious hyperbole.
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Verbal · Text Completion
The committee's report was praised for its candor, yet its central recommendation was so blank that administrators could cite it to justify nearly any policy they had already resolved to pursue.
Using “hyperbole” well
Hyperbole is deliberate exaggeration used for emphasis, not meant to be taken literally. Its opposite, litotes, achieves emphasis through deliberate understatement.
More GRE words starting with H
done regularly and repeatedly, as a matter of habit
to make accustomed to something through repeated exposure
the erectile hairs along an animal's neck and back that rise in anger or fear; figuratively, a state of anger (as in 'raise someone's hackles')
made dull and unoriginal through overuse
a biography that idealizes its subject and glosses over flaws
marked by peace, prosperity, and happiness; idyllically calm
to set apart as holy or treat with great reverence
regarded as holy or deeply revered
Questions about “hyperbole”
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