hyperbole
|hy-per-bo-le|
C1
🇺🇸
/haɪˈpɜːrbəli/
🇬🇧
/haɪˈpɜːbəli/
exaggerated statement
Etymology
Etymology Information
'hyperbole' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'hyperbolē,' where 'hyper-' meant 'beyond' and 'ballein' meant 'to throw.'
Historical Evolution
'hyperbolē' transformed into the Latin word 'hyperbole,' and eventually became the modern English word 'hyperbole' through Old French.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to throw beyond,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'exaggerated statement.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an exaggerated statement or claim not meant to be taken literally.
The phrase 'I'm so hungry I could eat a horse' is a classic example of hyperbole.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:41
