'exaggerate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'exaggerare,' where 'ex-' meant 'out' and 'aggerare' meant 'heap up.'

'exaggerare' transformed into the French word 'exagérer,' and eventually became the modern English word 'exaggerate' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to heap up or accumulate,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to represent as greater than is true.'