exaggerating

word · lemma: exaggerate

/ɪɡˈzædʒɝˌeɪtɪŋ/
/ɛɡzˈædʒəɹˌeɪtɪŋ/

Definition

Describing something as bigger, better, worse, or more extreme than it really is.

Usage & Nuances

Often used to describe stories or complaints made more dramatic. Common expressions: 'stop exaggerating', 'you're exaggerating'. Informal, not usually used in formal writing. Related to stretching the truth; not the same as lying, but details are made to seem more significant.

Example Sentences

He is exaggerating about how much homework he has.

basic

Stop exaggerating, it wasn't that scary.

basic

Are you exaggerating about how fast you ran?

basic

She loves exaggerating her stories to make them funnier.

natural

You're not exaggerating when you say that was the best movie ever.

natural

Whenever he's late, he starts exaggerating the traffic problems.

natural