Hyperbole

:Hype! is also the name of a documentary film about grunge music.

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:Hyperbole is sometimes confused with the hyperbola, a type of conic section.

Related Topics:
Hyperbola - Conic section

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A hyperbole, largely synonymous with exaggeration and overstatement, is a figure of speech in which statements are exaggerated or extravagant. It may be used due to strong feelings or is used to create a strong impression and is not meant to be taken literally. It gives greater emphasis. It is often used in poetry and is a literary device.

Related Topics:
Figure of speech - Emphasis - Poetry - Literary device

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Some examples of hyperboles include:

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• "He is as big as a house!"
• "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse!"
• "That's the worst idea in the world."

The antonym to hyperbole is understatement.

Related Topics:
Antonym - Understatement

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In show business, hyperbole (known as hype or media hype) is the practice of spending money on public relations in an attempt to bolster public interest in (for example) a movie, television show, or performing artist. Often the entertainment value of the thing being hyped is exaggerated.

Related Topics:
Show business - Public relations

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A common mis-pronunciation is "hyper-bowl." The correct pronunciation is phonetically said as "hye-per-buh-ley."

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There is some controversy about the origin of the modern slang term Hype. In its usage as meaning extravagant publicity, the intuitive derivation is from the word hyperbole. However, some sources insist that its origin is early 20th century narcotics slang and that it is a shortening and alteration from hypodermic.

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Hyperbole: See also ►