hyperbole
UK[haɪˈpɜː.bəl.i]US[haɪˈpɝː.bəl.i]
n
A way of speaking or writing that makes something sound better, more exciting, more dangerous, etc. than it really is, by using extreme language.
Morpheme Breakdown
hyper
bole
hyper
over, beyond
bole
throw
Etymology
The word 'hyperbole' has a direct lineage from ancient Greek rhetoric. It originates from the Greek compound hyperbolē, formed from hyper- ('over, beyond') and bolē ('a throwing'). The literal image is of 'throwing beyond' a target or mark. This concrete action was metaphorically adopted into rhetorical terminology to describe the figure of speech that 'overshoots' the truth by extravagant exaggeration for emphasis or effect. The term entered English in the late 15th century via Latin hyperbolē, retaining its specialized meaning related to deliberate overstatement.
Analysis
Structure: hyper (over, beyond) + bole (throw)
hyper: From Greek hyper, meaning 'over, beyond, above'. It functions as a prefix indicating excess.
bole: From Greek bolē, meaning 'a throw, casting, stroke'. It functions as a root indicating the act of throwing.
Examples
The phrase "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse" is a classic example of hyperbole.
His claim that the meeting lasted "an eternity" was dismissed as mere hyperbole.
Politicians often use hyperbole to dramatize their policy proposals.