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Meaning of Word

Exaggerated refers to something that is represented as larger, more intense, or more significant than it actually is. It involves overstating or amplifying characteristics, qualities, or facts beyond their true or realistic proportions.

Definitions and Meaning in English

1. Overstated or made to seem greater than it is: When something is exaggerated, it is described in a way that makes it appear more extreme or important than it actually is.
2. An inflated or dramatic portrayal of something: This can be used in describing a story, claim, or description that has been embellished or made more impressive than necessary.
3. A response or emotion that is disproportionate to the actual situation: It can also refer to reactions, gestures, or feelings that are overly dramatic or intense in relation to the cause.

History and Origin

The word “exaggerated” comes from the Latin exaggeratus, the past participle of exaggerare, meaning “to heap up, magnify, or exaggerate.” The prefix ex- means “out,” and aggerare means “to heap” or “to pile.” The term began to be used in English during the 16th century to describe inflated or overstated descriptions.

Detailed Explanation

To describe something as exaggerated is to say that it has been presented in a way that overstates the reality. This might involve inflating details, whether in the context of stories, events, or emotions. People may exaggerate for emphasis, to entertain, or to make something seem more significant, impactful, or impressive than it is in reality. Exaggeration can be harmless, like in storytelling or jokes, but it can also lead to misunderstandings or a lack of credibility if taken too seriously. For example, if someone says they were “waiting for hours,” but they only waited for 20 minutes, they are exaggerating the situation.

Example Sentences

1. The story of his bravery was exaggerated to make him sound like a hero.
2. She exaggerated her excitement about the gift to make him feel better.
3. The weather report exaggerated the intensity of the storm, causing unnecessary panic.
4. His description of the event was so exaggerated that no one believed it.
5. The movie’s special effects were exaggerated to create a more dramatic effect.
6. The amount of work required was exaggerated by the boss to stress the urgency.
7. His excitement over the concert tickets was exaggerated; he had been to many similar shows before.
8. The comedian exaggerated the truth for comedic effect during the performance.
9. She exaggerated her pain to get more sympathy from her friends.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Overstated – Described or represented as being more significant than it really is.
2. Embellished – Added extra details, often untrue, to make something seem more impressive.
3. Inflated – Described in an exaggerated manner to make it seem larger or more important than it is.
4. Amplified – Made something sound more intense or powerful than it truly is.
5. Overblown – Presented in an exaggerated way, especially when something is made to seem more important than it is.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Hyperbole – An exaggerated way of expressing something, often used for emphasis or effect.
2. Dramatized – To present something in an exaggerated or overly dramatic manner.
3. Magnified – To make something appear larger, more significant, or more intense than it is.
4. Overemphasized – Giving too much importance or attention to something, often beyond its actual significance.
5. Exaggeration – The act of overstating or inflating something beyond its true nature.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Exaggerated Claims – Statements or assertions that overstate the facts, often leading to misleading perceptions.
2. Exaggerated Features – In fashion or art, features that are exaggerated to make an impact or draw attention.
3. Exaggerated Expressions – Facial expressions or body language that are made more intense than necessary to convey emotion.
4. Exaggerated Storytelling – Telling a story with added, often unrealistic details to make it more exciting or humorous.
5. Exaggerated Reactions – Responses or emotions that are more extreme than what the situation warrants.

Antonyms

1. Understated – Presented in a restrained or modest way, without exaggeration.
2. Accurate – Described or represented in a precise and truthful manner, without exaggeration.
3. Realistic – Representing things as they truly are, without distortion or exaggeration.
4. Moderate – Not extreme or excessive, representing something in a balanced way.
5. Subdued – Less intense or dramatic, often the opposite of exaggeration.