What Is Hyperbole in Writing? (Is it Helpful or Stupid Idea)

Hyperbole is a literary device that uses extreme exaggeration to emphasize a point, making something seem much bigger, better, or worse than it actually is.

It is a special ingredient in literature, speech, or daily conversation that spices up the whole writing and makes your sentences pop and sizzle.

Interesting, huh? Read more to get a complete understanding of what is hyperbole in writing, its role in literature, real-life examples, and how it differs from metaphor and simile.

Difference Between Hyperbole, Metaphor, and Simile

Hyperbole, Metaphor, and simile are a part of figurative language and are similar to each other. Many writers get confused when trying to understand what is a hyperbole in writing.  Let’s find out the differences between each one.

Simile: A comparison between two things that use the words “like” or “as.” (Saying what’s similar)

Metaphor: A simple phrase that compares two things by stating one thing is another as well. (Saying what’s not true)

Hyperbole: It is an exaggerated statement that can be true to some extent but can’t be taken seriously. (Saying what is true but not to that extent)

Take one more example of hyperbole to understand “I beg a thousand pardons”

These differences clearly show that hyperbole in writing is used to emphasize certain sentiments, emotions, or situations.

What is meant by Hyperbole in Writing

Hyper = Exaggerate
Bole = Say or Statement

Hyperbole is a literary device that is used for exaggeration or emphasis. It comes from the Greek word huperbolḗ, which means “throwing beyond.” Hyperbole is widely used in writing in the form of literature, daily conversations, speeches, poetries, and advertisements.

When authors use hyperbole, they don’t mean for their statements to be taken literally – they exaggerate the facts for dramatic effect.

What is an example of a Hyperbole Worth a Million Likes

Let’s give you an excellent example of a hyperbole, but wait. Have you noticed something? We have already provided an example. 

Check out the heading that mentioned, “worth a million likes.” That’s what is hyperbole in writing looks like. However, below are some more examples of hyperbole from everyday speech.

• I love you more than the stars in the sky.
• I have so much homework that would take me a lifetime to complete.
• When she smiles, all the world gets blurred.
• Bundles of thanks.
• He swept ocean tears.
• My school bag weighs a ton.
• I Will be at the office in a second.
• My horse is faster than the speed of light.

What is hyperbole in literature?

A hyperbole in literature is a figure of speech in which the author or speaker purposely uses extremely exaggerated sentences to draw the attention of the reader. In every work of literature, from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet to Robert Frost’s poetry, everyone uses hyperbolic sentences to add drama, emotion, and expressions.

Hyperbole Examples in Literature

• “They turned their faces like blanched meat, streaming sweat.” (Fahrenheit 451).
• “Then I heard her over at D.B.’s desk, opening a million drawers and feeling around with her hand.” (The Catcher in the Rye).
• “My bounty is as boundless as the sea,” (Juliet expressing her love for Romeo).
• “I had to wait in the station for ten days– an eternity.” (Joseph Conrad, Heart of Darkness). 

Hyperbole Examples in Advertising

• Red Bull: “Gives you wings.”
• Gillette: “The best a man can get.”
• Starbucks: “World’s favorite coffee.”
• Doritos: “Makes taste buds dance.”
• Disneyland: “The happiest place on earth.”

When and How to Write a Hyperbole in Writing

As you have seen the examples of hyperbole in writing, you probably understand that every person uses them in daily life. Yet, there is hereby a need to know when and how to use hyperbole in writing.

1. When To Write a Hyperbole and When to Avoid

Evidently, you can use hyperboles in daily conversations, speeches, and literature works to make statements more dramatic and amusing.

Also, it’s acceptable in nonfiction essays, poems, songs, politics, and advertisements.

However, this will not fit in technical writing, formal essays, and research papers, why so? Because you need to maintain a proper formal tone with credible evidence-based information, so no dramatic statements.

2. How to Write a Hyperbole

To write a hyperbole simply makes an extreme exaggeration to emphasize a point, but obviously, that should not be meant to be taken literally.

Moreover, there should be a balance between your written work with regular sentences and hyperbole sentences.

Choose the words that maximize the actual size, quantity, or intensity of something. Lastly, try to add hyperbole in a way that your audience can easily understand that you are exaggerating for effects, not stating the facts.

Puzzled by Hyperbole in Writing? Get Expert Assistance

That’s all! Every little detail about hyperbole has been covered with examples. But wait, let us provide another hyperbole example as a goodbye gift.

Does your mind blast like a bomb when you try to figure out what is hyperbole in writing?

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