Basic Details
Word: Exaggerate
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To make something seem much bigger, better, or more important than it really is.
Synonyms: Overstate, embellish, magnify
Antonyms: Understate, minimise, diminish
Idioms and Phrases
- To exaggerate the truth: To make a story sound more impressive than it actually is. Example: "He tends to exaggerate the truth when telling his fishing stories."
- On the exaggerated side: To be somewhat extreme or overstated in an opinion or statement. Example: "Her reaction to the movie was on the exaggerated side; it wasn't that scary."
Usage Examples
Example 1: She didn't just win the race; she exaggerated her victory by claiming she broke a record.
Example 2: The comedian exaggerated his jokes, making the audience burst into laughter.
Example 3: When he told us about his vacation, he exaggerated the size of the waves he surfed.
Fun Fact
The word "exaggerate" comes from the Latin word "exaggerare," which means "to make heavier." Over time, it evolved to refer to overstating or amplifying something beyond its reality.
Famous Quote
"If you want to be a leader, you must be a good storyteller. But don't exaggerate; a good leader knows the truth." Anonymous
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "exaggerate" mean?
a) To make something seem smaller
b) To make something seem bigger
c) To ignore something
d) To measure accurately
Answer: b) To make something seem bigger
2. Which of these is a synonym for "exaggerate"?
a) Understate
b) Diminish
c) Overstate
d) Verify
Answer: c) Overstate
3. Which of the following is an antonym of "exaggerate"?
a) Magnify
b) Embellish
c) Understate
d) Elaborate
Answer: c) Understate
4. Which sentence uses "exaggerate" correctly?
a) She exaggerated when she said she only had a small cold.
b) The weather forecast exaggerated the temperature today.
c) He loves to exaggerate his drawing skills, thinking hes a true artist.
d) They didn't exaggerate the plans for the new park.
Answer: c) He loves to exaggerate his drawing skills, thinking hes a true artist.
5. Which idiom relates to "exaggerate"?
a) To break the ice
b) To exaggerate the truth
c) To hit the nail on the head
d) To let the cat out of the bag
Answer: b) To exaggerate the truth
