What is “hyperbole”?: Difference between revisions

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== What is "hyperbole"? ==
 


'''Hyperbole''': an exaggeration meant for emphasis that is not meant to be taken literally.
'''Hyperbole''': an exaggeration meant for emphasis that is not meant to be taken literally.
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Hyperboles are used in everyday speech and in almost all types of writing.
Hyperboles are used in everyday speech and in almost all types of writing.


"Hyperbolic expressions are common in the inflated style of dramatic speech known as bombast..." (Baldick 103)
Baldick states that hyperbolic expressions are common in dramatic speech (103).




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Do not use hyperboles when stating facts.
Do not use hyperboles when stating facts.


Also, be careful when using hyperboles, many of these figures of speech have become cliche. (Hacker 142, 143)
Also, be careful when using hyperboles, many of these figures of speech have become cliché (Hacker 142, 143).
     When the body builder lifted the bowling ball, it looked '''as light as a feather'''.
     When the body builder lifted the bowling ball, it looked '''as light as a feather'''.


Concerned about cliches? See: [[When is something “clichéd” or “trite”?]]
Concerned about clichés? See: [[When is something “clichéd” or “trite”?]]




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