hyperbole
Meaning: Deliberate and obvious exaggeration used for emphasis or effect, not intended to be taken literally. For example, 'I've told you a million times.'
Hyperbole is one of the most common rhetorical devices in both everyday speech and literary writing. It is used to create dramatic effect, express strong emotion, or add humour. In academic analysis, recognising hyperbole is important for understanding tone and authorial intent. The word is pronounced with four syllables (hy-PER-bo-lee), which catches many learners off guard, as it looks like it should rhyme with 'mole.'
Examples
- Saying 'this bag weighs a tonne' is a classic example of hyperbole used in everyday conversation. 说'this bag weighs a tonne(这个包重一吨)'是日常对话中使用夸张的经典例子。Decir «this bag weighs a tonne» es un ejemplo clásico de hipérbole en la conversación cotidiana.「this bag weighs a tonne(この鞄は1トンある)」と言うのは、日常会話で使われる誇張法の典型的な例です。this bag weighs a tonne(이 가방은 1톤이야)'라고 말하는 것은 일상 대화에서 사용되는 과장법의 전형적인 예입니다.
- The poet's use of hyperbole conveyed the overwhelming intensity of grief far more powerfully than literal description could. 诗人对夸张手法的运用,比任何字面描述都更有力地传达了悲伤的压倒性强度。El uso de la hipérbole por parte del poeta transmitió la abrumadora intensidad del dolor con mucha más fuerza que cualquier descripción literal.詩人の誇張法の使用は、文字通りの描写よりもはるかに力強く、悲嘆の圧倒的な強さを伝えました。시인의 과장법 사용은 문자 그대로의 묘사보다 훨씬 더 강렬하게 슬픔의 압도적인 깊이를 전달했습니다.
- Politicians frequently employ hyperbole to galvanise support, though it can undermine credibility if overused. 政治家经常使用夸张来激发支持,但如果过度使用可能会损害公信力。Los políticos emplean frecuentemente la hipérbole para movilizar apoyos, aunque su uso excesivo puede socavar la credibilidad.政治家は支持を喚起するためにしばしば誇張法を用いますが、使いすぎると信頼性を損なうことがあります。정치인들은 지지를 결집하기 위해 과장법을 자주 사용하지만, 남용하면 신뢰성을 훼손할 수 있습니다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: academic, media
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Latin hyperbole, from Greek hyperbole (excess, exaggeration), from hyperballein (to throw beyond), from hyper- (beyond) and ballein (to throw). Entered English in the 15th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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