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What is hyperbole?

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Quick answer

Hyperbole is deliberate, obvious exaggeration used for emphasis or effect, not meant to be taken literally. Saying 'I've told you a million times' or 'this bag weighs a ton' makes a point through overstatement. It exaggerates greatly on purpose, for emphasis or humor.

Key things to understand

  1. It exaggerates greatly on purpose, for emphasis or humor.
  2. It's not meant literally — everyone understands it's an overstatement.
  3. Examples: 'I'm so hungry I could eat a horse', 'it took forever'.
  4. It conveys strong feelings vividly — how big, how tired, or how amazing something feels.
  5. Its opposite is understatement, which downplays something for effect.

People also ask

What's an example of hyperbole?
'I have a ton of homework', 'she's older than the hills', and 'I could sleep for a year' all exaggerate on purpose for effect.
Is hyperbole the same as lying?
No. A lie tries to deceive; hyperbole is obvious exaggeration that everyone understands isn't literal, used for emphasis or humor.
Why do we use hyperbole?
To express strong feelings vividly and memorably, or to add humor — 'starving' lands harder than 'a bit hungry'.