For hyperbola, the mathematical term, see hyperbola.

A hyperbole, largely synonymous with exaggeration and overconsulting, is a figure of speech in which statements are exaggerated or extravagant. It may be used due to strong feelings or is used to create a strong impression and is not meant to be taken literally. It gives greater emphasis. It is often used in poetry and is a literary device.

• "He is as big as a house!"
• "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse!"
• "That's the worst idea I've ever heard."
• "You are the ugliest person in the world!"
• "This book weighs a ton"
• "This is pretty much the worst film ever made."

The antonym to hyperbole is understatement.

In show business, hyperbole (known as hype or media hype) is

A common mis-pronunciation is /ˈhaɪpɚˌboʊl/ ("HY-per-bowl"). The correct pronunciation is phonetically said as /haɪˈpɝbəli/ ("hy-PER-buh-lee").

The modern slang term hype, in its usage as meaning extravagant publicity, is probably derived from the word hyperbole

See also

• Irony
• Metaphor
• Simile
• Quote whore
• Technology hype
• Zillion
• Media hype

External link

• Hyperbel (Sprache)

Hyperbole (rhétorique) Iperbole (figura retorica) Hyperbool (stijlfiguur) Гипербола (литература) Hype Hyperbol