hyperbole etymology

Etymology

The word "hyperbole" comes from the Greek word "hyperbolē," which means "overthrower" or "excess."

Meaning and Origin

Hyperbole is a figure of speech that uses exaggeration to create a strong emotional effect. It is often used for humorous or satirical purposes. Hyperboles can be used in both written and spoken language.

Hyperbole has been used for centuries in literature, speech, and everyday conversation. Some of the earliest examples of hyperbole can be found in the Bible, where it is used to describe the power of God. For example, in Psalm 18:33, it says, "He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, and sets me on high places."

Hyperbole is also common in everyday conversation. For example, someone might say, "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse." This is obviously an exaggeration, but it helps to convey the person's hunger.

Examples

Here are some examples of hyperbole in popular culture:

• "I'm so tired, I could sleep for a week."
• "That movie was so bad, I wanted to poke my eyes out."
• "My boss is such a micro-manager, he makes me want to jump out of a window."
• "This traffic is so bad, I could walk there faster."
• "I'm so clumsy, I tripped over my own feet."

hyperbole relate terms

• hype

  Etymology First attested in English in the 1890s Shortened form of hyperbole which

• hyperbole

  Etymology The word hyperbole comes from the Greek word hyperbolē which means overt

• hyper

  Etymology The word hyper is derived from the Greek prefix ὑπέρ huper meani

• hypochondria

  Etymology Greek ὑποχόνδριον hupokhondrion under the cartilage Mean

• hyperbola

  Etymology The word hyperbola is derived from the Ancient Greek word ὑπερβολή

• hyperbole

  Etymology The word hyperbole comes from the Greek word hyperbolē which means overt

• literally

  Etymology The word literally comes from the Old English word litterae which means

• image

  Etymology The word image comes from the Latin word imago which in turn comes from th

• trope

  Etymology The term trope originates from the Greek word tropos which means turn o

• Porte

  Etymology The word porte comes from the French word porte which in turn comes from

• figure

  Etymology The word figure comes from the Latin word figura which means shape for

• bingo

  Etymology The word bingo is thought to have originated from the French word bingot wh

• constellation

  Etymology The word constellation is derived from the Latin word constellatio which

• sweet

  Etymology The word sweet comes from the Old English word swēte which itself evolve

• mundane

  Etymology Mundane derives from the Latin word mundānus meaning of the world It