# exaggeration

/ɪɡˌzædʒɝˈeɪʃən/ (US) · /ɛɡzˌædʒəɹˈeɪʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/exaggeration
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. overstatement

noun · CEFR B2

a statement that makes something sound more impressive, important, or serious than it is.

For teachers: the act of representing something in an excessive manner that goes beyond the bounds of literal truth.

- It is no exaggeration to say that the storm destroyed the entire village.
- The claim that the company would double its profits overnight was a gross exaggeration intended to attract gullible investors.

### 2. artistic emphasis

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic

making a feature or quality look much stronger or more beautiful than in real life.

For teachers: a representation of things beyond natural life in terms of expression, power, or beauty, often for aesthetic effect.

- The artist used exaggeration in the character's eyes to show deep sadness.
- The sculptor employed deliberate exaggeration of the muscular structure to convey a sense of divine power rather than human anatomy.

## Examples

- It is no exaggeration to say she is the best player.
- The salesman's claim that the car would last forever was a clear exaggeration intended to close the deal.
- While the author relies on stylistic exaggeration to highlight social injustices, the underlying data remains grounded in rigorous historical research.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.