Langimage
English

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