Hyperbole
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This article is about the term used in rhetoric. For the mathematical term, see Hyperbola.
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Hyperbole (
/haɪˈpɜrbəliː/ hy-PUR-bə-lee;[1] Greek: ὑπερβολή, '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 helps to make the point that the bag was very heavy, although it is not probable that it would actually weigh a ton.
In rhetoric, some opposites of hyperbole are meiosis, litotes, understatement, and bathos (the 'letdown' after a hyperbole in a phrase).
[edit] References
- ^ "Hyperbole". Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. http://oald8.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/dictionary/hyperbole. Retrieved February 15, 2012.
- ^ "Hyperbole". Dictionary.com. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/hyperbole. Retrieved February 15, 2012.
- ^ Mahony, David (2003). Literacy Tests Year 7. Pascal Press. p. 82. ISBN 9781877085369.
