What's the difference between exaggeration and hyperbole?

Exaggeration simply means going over the top. An example is when you are waiting for your friend, and you've been waiting 5 minutes, but you say to him: 'I've been waiting for like half an hour!'

Hyperbole means UNREALISTIC exaggeration. That's the keyword. 'I've been waiting 5 years for you, where've you been???'

'This tree is as tall as a church' might simply be exaggeration, but that other tree being as tall as the moon, is definitely UNREALISTIC enough to be called hyperbole!

AA
Answered by Ahsan A. English tutor

61664 Views

See similar English GCSE tutors

Related English GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How should I structure my essays?


How do I find key themes?


What is a plosive consonant and what is its effect?


How does Browning's use of form evoke ideas of power and control in 'My Last Duchess'?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences