Hyperbole
Hyperbole Definition
Hyperbole,
derived from a Greek word meaning “over-casting” is a figure of speech, which
involves an exaggeration of ideas for the sake of emphasis.
Hyperbole
is a figure of speech that uses an exaggerated or extravagant statement to
create a strong emotional response. As a figure of speech it is not intended to
be taken literally. Hyperbole is frequently used for humour.
Common
Examples of Hyperbole:
My
grandmother is as old as the hills.
Your
suitcase weighs a ton!
She is
as heavy as an elephant!
I am
dying of shame.
I am
trying to solve a million issues these days.
They
ran like greased lightning.
He's
got tons of money.
Her
brain is the size of a pea.
He is
older than the hills.
I will
die if she asks me to dance.
She is
as big as an elephant!
I'm so
hungry I could eat a horse.
I have
told you a million times not to lie!
Examples
of hyperbole are:
They
ran like greased lightning.
He's
got tons of money.
Her
brain is the size of a pea.
He is
older than the hills.
I will
die if she asks me to dance.
She is
as big as an elephant!
I'm so
hungry I could eat a horse.
I have
told you a million times not to lie!
The
media and the advertising industry often use hyperbole (which may then be
described as hype or media hype).
It is
important not to confuse hyperbole with simile and metaphor. It does make a
comparison but unlike simile and metaphor, hyperbole has a humorous effect
created by an overstatement.
References
