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Revision as of 20:28, 26 May 2010 by 68.25.103.189 (talk) (revert to User:NeilN and User:Tbhotch)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff) This article is about the term used in rhetoric. For the mathematical term, see Hyperbola. | Some of this article's listed sources may not be reliable. Please help improve this article by looking for better, more reliable sources. Unreliable citations may be challenged and removed. (March 2010) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
Hyperbole (Template:PronEng, from ancient Greek Template:Polytonic 'exaggeration'), is a rhetorical device in which statements are exaggerated. It may be used to evoke strong feelings or to create a strong impression, but is not meant to be taken literally.
Hyperboles are figures of speech that are exaggerated in order to create emphasis or effect. Hyperbole is a literary device often used in poetry, and is frequently encountered in casual speech. On occasion, newspapers and other media use hyperbole when speaking of an accident, to increase the impact of the story. This is more often found in tabloid newspapers, which often exaggerate accounts of events to appeal to a wider audience.
In rhetoric, some opposites of hyperbole are meiosis, litotes, understatement, and bathos (the 'letdown' after a hyperbole in a phrase).
Examples
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Some examples of the use of hyperbole include:
- These books weigh a ton. (These books are heavy.)
- The path went on forever. (The path was very long.)
- I'm doing a million things right now. (I'm busy.)
- I waited centuries for you. (I waited a long time for you.)
- She ran faster than a bullet. (She ran fast.)
- I'm so hungry I could eat a horse. (I am very hungry.)