What is hyperbole?
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Start free in the Edit studio- Hyperbole is deliberate, obvious exaggeration.
- It is used for emphasis, humor, or effect.
- It is not meant literally.
- It conveys strength of feeling vividly.
- Overuse weakens its impact.
Hyperbole is deliberate, obvious exaggeration used for emphasis or effect, never meant to be taken literally — "I've told you a million times," "this bag weighs a ton." It conveys the intensity of a feeling or impression more vividly than a literal statement could. Hyperbole adds emphasis, humor, and voice, but its power depends on restraint: used sparingly it lands, while constant exaggeration dulls the effect and the prose.
Chapter i·Why it matters
Hyperbole is a common figurative device for emphasis and voice, and understanding it helps writers use exaggeration deliberately rather than accidentally (or overuse it). Recognizing hyperbole as intentional, non-literal exaggeration distinguishes it from imprecise writing. Used well, it adds energy and personality; used carelessly, it inflates prose. Knowing the device is part of a writer's figurative-language toolkit alongside metaphor, simile, and the rest.
Chapter ii·What to include
- Deliberate, obvious exaggeration.
- Use for emphasis, humor, or effect.
- Non-literal intent.
- Vivid conveyance of feeling.
- Restraint for impact.
- A place in the figurative toolkit.
Chapter iii·Example
A character says she has "a mountain of laundry" — hyperbole that conveys the overwhelming amount more vividly than "a lot." It is obviously not literal, and used sparingly it adds emphasis and voice. If every line exaggerated this way, though, the effect would deaden, which is why hyperbole works best in moderation.
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Chapter iv·Related questions