Hyperbole: Definition, Rules, Types, Examples and Practice Questions

Hyperbole as a Figure of Speech is used to imply the importance of the message by using exaggeration or an unrealistic example, meant to put across a point. Along with that, it also adds a humorous touch to the sentence, depending on the situation. The caveat in Hyperbole is that, the meaning should not be taken literally.

For example, if someone wants to say that he/she is hungry, then a suitable Hyperbole would be, I am so hungry that I can eat a horse! On the other hand, a Hyperbole for getting late can be, I was so late that the sun had set twice!

Hyperbole can be used mostly in informal settings to lighten up the mood, but at the same time, it can also be used in a grim situation to describe the gravity of the situation. Some such situations and examples can be, her tears could flood the city (to denote a weeping girl). Or, the guilt in Rajan's heart was so heavy, it felt like he was carrying a mountain on his chest.

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The word Hyperbole has originated from the ancient Greek and Latin word huperbolḗ, where hupér means ‘above, beyond’, and ‘bállō’ means throw.

Oxford Dictionary defines Hyperbole as “A way of speaking or writing that makes something sound better, more exciting, more dangerous, etc. than it really is.”

On the other hand, Collins Dictionary's definition of Hyperbole is, “A deliberate exaggeration used for effect. He embraced her a thousand times.”

Word origin

C16: from Greek: from hyper- + bolē a throw, from ballein to throw

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Hyperbole can be broadly categorised into the following types.

Exaggeration 

Exaggeration is one of the most common types of Hyperbole. As the term suggests, exaggeration refers to something over the top, dramatic and an impossible scenario. This type of Hyperbole is used mostly to denote a comical or emotional situation. Exaggeration is used to emphasise a point or to bring forth the message to the receiver with a dramatic effect. Here are some examples of Exaggeration in Hyperbole:

• The suitcase weighs a thousand tonnes.
• Every time I look into Rajat’s deep brown eyes, I drown in them!
• My pet dog Brownie runs so fast that he can give a cheetah a tough competition.
• I went to the Elizabethan era while reading the classic literature novel.
• I am drowning in the workload.

Amplification

Amplification is a type of Hyperbole, which projects a fact or scenario with a much bigger effect or to intensify the information. Amplification uses other elements of Figures of Speech such as metaphor and simile. At the same time, it is higher in intensity as compared to other types of Hyperbole. Some examples of Amplification are as follows:

• Her melodious voice was so enchanting that the concert hall transformed into a paradise of sound.
• The teacher's harsh reprimand didn’t just hurt me, but it shattered my self-confidence into a million pieces, leaving me too afraid to speak up again.
• Looking into Wednesday’s eyes can be so eerily bone-chilling that it can freeze every thought and surroundings.
• The everyday mundane chores make Renu so exhausted that it feels like she is slowly and gradually getting submerged inside a quicksand with no ray of hope to escape.
• The storm came rushing like a strong mad bull shaking every door and window while making a loud roaring sound.

Overstatement

Overstatement is another type of Hyperbole which exaggerates something beyond its actual significance or impact. This type of Hyperbole is used to emphasise a point to make it more dramatic than the actual fact or effect.

Take a look at a few examples of Overstatement Hyperbole.

• I am so tired that I can sleep for a year.
• It was the worst day in the history of bad days.
• The schoolbag’s heavy weight feels like it is filled with stones.
• You’re the funniest person in the entire world!
• My mother's cooking is better than the master chefs of the culinary world.

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Here we bring the tips and rules to use Hyperbole in day-to-day communication and professional purposes:

• Let your imagination run free: The key criterion to use Hyperbole in conversation or written communication is to imagine as vividly as possible to create imagery. If you are using Hyperbole for a creative purpose, such as literature, advertising and copywriting, etc., then the more creative and imaginative you get, the better it will be.
• Do not take the meaning literally: It must be clear in the communication that Hyperbole is not to be taken literally, as it is a figurative and rhetorical language tool. Hence, the Hyperbole must be creative, yet realistic, to the reader or the audience.
• The comparison should be in sync with the subject and comparative element: Since Hyperbole often aligns the subject with another living or non-living being or a concept, the characteristics should be similar or aligned in nature. For example, if you want to describe a person’s laid-back behaviour, then comparison with a snail or tortoise would be suitable. For example, Rahul is so slow that even a snail would act faster. Or, if you want to describe someone as vibrant and feisty, then comparison or drawing parallels with something or someone similar would be a suitable approach. E.g., Jiya leads her friend circle so well that even a queen bee would bow to her.
• Use it according to context: Hyperbole is meant to emphasise a point with a touch of humour and an expressive manner. It should fit the context, tone and purpose of communication. In a serious situation, a grave Hyperbole would be more suitable than a humorous one, or rather, not using Hyperbole or a figure of speech would be more appropriate.
• Combine metaphors and similes but keep Hyperbole’s characteristics as primary: To draw an imagery or comparison, we often use metaphors and similes in Hyperbole. However, the purpose of Hyperbole is to emphasise, exaggerate and overstate. Hence, rather than a mere comparison, emphasis should be placed on the actual point or characteristic of the subject, with the object being highlighted. For example, Lata Mangeshkar is the nightingale of India, a metaphor. For using it as a Hyperbole, we must focus that both Lata Mangeshkar and the nightingale bird are famous for their melodious voices. As a Hyperbole, the sentence would be, Lata Mangeshkar’s divine and melodious voice can make a nightingale spellbound.

Hyperbole, along with Simile and Metaphor, are figures of speech which can sound similar, but are different. The following table brings the differences between the two.

Preparing for Hyperbole can be more successful with reading and observation, and by being a good listener. To put it simply, the preparation strategy for Hyperbole is a culmination of four factors, which are discussed below:

• Reading: Reading literature pieces which have used a plethora of Hyperbole is one of the best ways to prepare for this Figure of Speech. The more you read, the better idea you will get regarding the usage and examples of Hyperbole.
• Listening: Listening is another key factor of Hyperbole preparation. You can listen and take notes about types of Hyperbole and the appropriate context and situation to use them. The best sources include movies, sitcoms, jingles or advertisements, radio and TV programmes, to name a few.
• Observation: Observing or noticing different examples of Hyperbole can clear your concepts as well as how and when to use them. After regular observation, you will be able to understand the nuances of Hyperbole and use it properly.

Here are some additional tips to excel in Hyperbole:

• Understand the difference with other Figures of Speech: Hyperbole is often confused with other figures of speech, especially Metaphor and Simile. Once you understand the difference and use your creativity and imagination to the fullest, you will be well prepared for Hyperbole.
• Practice: The more you practice, the better you will get at it. You must know the different types of Hyperbole and use them as per the situation and context.
• Develop a sense of humour: Hyperbole cannot be prepared by bookish knowledge only. You must develop a sense of humour and sarcasm to effectively use Hyperbole.

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How to Identify Hyperbole in a Sentence

Here are a few tips to understand or identify Hyperbole in a sentence.

• Look for an exaggeration: When you come across an exaggeration of a fact or comparison, it is undoubtedly a Hyperbole. For example, instead of saying the restaurant is delaying the order of a cup of tea, a Hyperbole would be, ‘It seems the chef has gone all the way to China to get tea leaves to brew it!’
• Drawing parallel with unlikely objects of similar characteristics: If a sentence draws parallels with another unrelated object with similar characteristics, then it is an indication of Hyperbole. For example, if a person runs fast, then a parallel may be drawn with animals or objects or natural phenomena which are fast, such as a cheetah, a rabbit, lightning, etc. For example, Akash runs so fast that he can easily defeat a cheetah! Here, defeating a cheetah is an exaggeration, and along with that, the fast running ability of Akash and the cheetah are compared, making it a Hyperbole.
• Not meant literally: If, upon reading a sentence, you feel that it is too unrealistic and impossible in reality, then it has to be a Hyperbole. Take, for example, Rinku is so passionate about mountaineering that she goes to Mt Everest every year for a picnic.
• Understand the impact: A Hyperbole is essentially used to create a dramatic impact or to provide comic relief. If, after an exaggerated or overstated sentence, the mood or tone of the context and situation demands drama or a chuckle, and it also fulfils other criteria of this figure of speech, then it is a Hyperbole.

Here are some common errors or mistakes to be avoided while using Hyperbole.

• Using Hyperbole out of context or inappropriately can backfire: The placement or usage of Hyperbole must be contextual and fitting in the scenario. While using it in literature, the scenario must be either dramatic or comic. Otherwise, it may lose its purpose or desired impact.
• Should not be confused with other Figures of Speech: Hyperbole is easily confused with other figures of speech, such as metaphor, simile, personification, etc. It is important to identify it correctly, and if you must use it, it has to be done correctly.
• Not to be used in formal communications: Hyperbole is generally not used in formal or professional communication. Hence, if you are planning to use it in a formal scenario, you must ensure that the time and situation is right, and the context or Hyperbole is suitable. An example of a Hyperbole in a professional context would be, ‘Even Google would not have the answer for this.’
• Avoid over usage: Overusing a Hyperbole can trivialise the impact and can even make the readers or audience lose interest. In real life, if you use Hyperbole in every alternate sentence, you may not be taken too seriously. Similarly, if you, as an author, use Hyperbole in every alternate sentence, then it would have the reverse impact on the readers.
• It should not hurt sentiments: Last but not least, a Hyperbole should not be hurtful to the person on the receiving end. Ideally, you must avoid Hyperbole usage to shame someone’s physical appearance, intellectual and emotional capacity.

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