Hyperbole
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This article is about the term used in rhetoric. For the mathematical term, see Hyperbola.
Hyperbole (/haɪˈpɜrbəliː/ hy-PUR-bə-lee;[1] Greek: ὑπερβολή hyperbolē, "exaggeration") is the use of exaggeration as a rhetorical device or figure of speech. It may be used to evoke strong feelings or to create a strong impression, but is not meant to be taken literally.[2]
Hyperboles are exaggerations to create emphasis or effect. As a literary device, hyperbole is often used in poetry, and is frequently encountered in casual speech. An example of hyperbole is: "The bag weighed a ton."[3] Hyperbole makes the point that the bag was very heavy, though it probably does not weigh a ton.
In rhetoric, some opposites of hyperbole are meiosis, litotes, understatement, and bathos (the 'letdown' after a hyperbole in a phrase).
References[edit]
- ^ "Hyperbole". Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Retrieved February 15, 2012.
- ^ "Hyperbole". Dictionary.com. Retrieved February 15, 2012.
- ^ Mahony, David (2003). Literacy Tests Year 7. Pascal Press. p. 82. ISBN 978-1-877-08536-9.
External links[edit]
 |
Look up hyperbole in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. |
