hyperbole

[ hahy-pur-buh-lee ]

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Part of Speech noun

Origin + Etymology

via Latin from Greek huperbolē

Synonyms

hype
overstatement
amplification
embellishment
enlargement

Antonyms

compression
decrease
lessening
understatement

Definition

obvious and intentional exaggeration; an extravagant statement or figure of speech not intended to be taken literally, as “to wait an eternity.”

Example

Sally's father spoke in hyperbole, telling her she was grounded for eternity after she broke the law.

Usage Over Time

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Usage Over Time

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bolster

[ bohl-ster ]

a long, often cylindrical, cushion or pillow for a bed, sofa, etc.

largesse

[ lar- jes ]

generosity of spirit or attitude

cavalier

[ kav-uh-leer ]

haughty, disdainful, or supercilious

sabotage

[ sab-uh-tahzh ]

any underhand interference with production, work, etc., in a plant, factory, etc., as by enemy agents during wartime or by employees during a trade dispute

obelus

[ ob-uh-luhs ]

a mark (− or ÷) used in ancient manuscripts to point out spurious, corrupt, doubtful, or superfluous words or passages

noxious

[ nok-shuhs ]

harmful or injurious to health or physical well-being

recalcitrant

[ ri-kal-si-truhnt ]

having an obstinately uncooperative attitude toward authority or discipline

jocund

[ jok-uhnd ]

cheerful; merry; blithe; glad

obsequious

[ uhb-see-kwee-uhs ]

characterized by or showing servile obedience and excessive eagerness to please; deferential; fawning: