Word
exaggerated
Phoneticsex·ag·ger·at·ed, stress on the second syllable
US/ɪɡˈzædʒɝˌeɪtəd/
UK/ɛɡzˈædʒəɹˌeɪtɪd/
Definitions
01overstated
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. described as being larger, better, or worse than it actually is.
adj. representing something as greater than its actual size, intensity, or importance.
“The newspaper gave an exaggerated account of the small argument between the neighbors.”
“The witness provided an exaggerated description of the suspect's height, which initially led the investigators to look for a much taller individual.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02physically enlarged
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. larger or more noticeable than what is normal or natural.
adj. abnormally increased in size or volume; often used to describe physical features or artistic depictions.
“The cartoon character had an exaggerated nose and tiny feet.”
“The sculpture featured exaggerated proportions to ensure that the figure remained visible and imposing from the ground level.”
Antonyms
03past action of overstating
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. the past tense of making something seem more important or larger than it was.
v. the simple past and past participle form of the transitive verb 'exaggerate'.
“He exaggerated his work experience on his resume to get the job.”
“The explorer exaggerated the dangers of the jungle in his journals to ensure his sponsors felt their investment was justified.”
Usage
As a verb, it requires a direct object representing the thing being overstated.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“Clov (Simon Gleave) is his vaudevillian sidekick, with such exaggerated comic limps and gurns that you almost expect pratfalls.” “Unlike infant-directed speech, pet-directed speech rarely includes exaggerated pronunciation for language learning.” “The authors say this likely exaggerated estimates of growth.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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