Words / B2

ig-ZAJ-uh-rayt/ɪɡˈzædʒəreɪt/

To exaggerate is to make something seem bigger, better, or worse than it is: exaggerate the risk; highly exaggerated. Overstate is a close academic twin; lie is stronger and moral. Do not exaggerate n = 12. Opposite: play down / understate. Mix-up: exacerbate (make worse) is already in the dictionary.

Meaning

To make something seem larger, better, or worse than it really is.

Examples

• “Do not exaggerate the sample; the marker can see n = 12.”
• “The threat was exaggerated in the headline, which is a typical news complaint.”

Good to know

exaggerate + noun; grossly / highly exaggerated. Academic: overstate. Opposite: understate. Trap: exacerbate. Speaking exams: don’t exaggerate for effect in a graph description.

Near in meaning

overstate

New