English Reference
adjective · verb

exaggerated

adj. · v.
US /ɪɡˈzædʒɝˌeɪtəd/ UK /ɛɡzˈædʒəɹˌeɪtɪd/ ex·ag·ger·at·ed

  1. 01 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.

    Simple

    The newspaper gave an exaggerated account of the small argument between the neighbors.

    In context

    The witness provided an exaggerated description of the suspect's height, which initially led the investigators to look for a much taller individual.

  2. 02 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.

    Simple

    The cartoon character had an exaggerated nose and tiny feet.

    In context

    The sculpture featured exaggerated proportions to ensure that the figure remained visible and imposing from the ground level.

    diminishedshrunken
  3. 03 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'.

    Simple

    He exaggerated his work experience on his resume to get the job.

    In context

    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.

Clov (Simon Gleave) is his vaudevillian sidekick, with such exaggerated comic limps and gurns that you almost expect pratfalls.

The Guardian· 15 Aug 2026

Unlike infant-directed speech, pet-directed speech rarely includes exaggerated pronunciation for language learning.

Phys.org· 12 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated