EXAGGERATION

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does exaggeration mean? 

• EXAGGERATION (noun)
  The noun EXAGGERATION has 3 senses:

1. extravagant exaggeration

2. the act of making something more noticeable than usual

3. making to seem more important than it really is

  Familiarity information: EXAGGERATION used as a noun is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• EXAGGERATION (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Extravagant exaggeration

Classified under:

Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents

Synonyms:

exaggeration; hyperbole

Hypernyms ("exaggeration" is a kind of...):

figure; figure of speech; image; trope (language used in a figurative or nonliteral sense)

Derivation:

exaggerate (to enlarge beyond bounds or the truth)

Sense 2

Meaning:

The act of making something more noticeable than usual

Classified under:

Nouns denoting acts or actions

Context example:

the dance involved a deliberate exaggeration of his awkwardness

Hypernyms ("exaggeration" is a kind of...):

increase; step-up (the act of increasing something)

Derivation:

exaggerate (to enlarge beyond bounds or the truth)

exaggerate (do something to an excessive degree)

Sense 3

Meaning:

Making to seem more important than it really is

Classified under:

Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents

Synonyms:

exaggeration; magnification; overstatement

Hypernyms ("exaggeration" is a kind of...):

deceit; deception; misrepresentation (a misleading falsehood)

Derivation:

exaggerate (to enlarge beyond bounds or the truth)

 Context examples 

Her trained ear detected the weaknesses and exaggerations, the overemphasis of the tyro, and she was instantly aware each time the sentence-rhythm tripped and faltered.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

His manner had no air of study or exaggeration.

(Emma, by Jane Austen)

When I came to examine the treaty I saw at once that it was of such importance that my uncle had been guilty of no exaggeration in what he had said.

(The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

"Apart from exaggeration, he is certainly a well-grown specimen," said the Professor, complacently.

(The Lost World, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

She was therefore obliged to seek another branch of the subject, and related, with much bitterness of spirit and some exaggeration, the shocking rudeness of Mr. Darcy.

(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)

It was all in the same extravagant vein, garnished with many senseless oaths; but I observed this difference, that, whereas my uncle and Sheridan had something of humour in their exaggeration, Francis tended always to ill-nature, and the Prince to self-glorification.

(Rodney Stone, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Mrs Musgrove thinks all her servants so steady, that it would be high treason to call it in question; but I am sure, without exaggeration, that her upper house-maid and laundry-maid, instead of being in their business, are gadding about the village, all day long.

(Persuasion, by Jane Austen)

This combination will light your house of salary and compensation too (second house), so it is no exaggeration to say that when it comes to bringing in more money, this month you are on fire!

(AstrologyZone.com, by Susan Miller)