Definition:
“Exaggeration for the sake of emphasis in a figure of speech not meant literally”
"Hyperbole." The Oxford Dictionary of Literary Terms, Oxford Reference, www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/acref/9780199208272.001.0001/acref-9780199208272-e-567. Accessed 29 Aug. 2022.
Informal Definition:
An exaggerated way of speaking to make something sound more exciting
Example: her eyes were gray and sharp like the points of two picks –Flannery O’Connor
[Her eyes were not actually as sharp as the point of two picks but the author exaggerates the description of her eyes to draw importance to them]
Etymology:
-“Latin, from Greek hyperbolē excess, hyperbole, hyperbola, from hyperballein to exceed, from hyper- + ballein to throw”
It originated in the 15th century and hyperbolē was used to define something that was exaggerated or extravagant
"Hyperbole." Merriam Webster, www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hyperbole. Accessed 29 Aug. 2022.
Austin E