Words / B2

HYP/haɪp/

Hype is exaggerated publicity that makes something seem more important than the evidence shows (usually uncountable): media hype; hyped up. Publicity and buzz are close twins; evidence still needs a figure. Media hype still needs a named circulation figure. Mix-up: hype vs hyper-; type. Do not write hype for a peer-reviewed result with a named n.

Meaning

Exaggerated publicity that makes something seem more important than the evidence shows (usually uncountable).

Examples

• “Media hype still needs a named circulation figure, the media paper said.”
• “The launch was hyped up, the review said, which is the verb sense — still quote sales.”

Good to know

media hype; hype around / about; hyped (up). Close: publicity / buzz. Trap: hyper- / type. Media, business, and evaluations. Exaggerated publicity, not proof.

Near in meaning

publicity, buzz, fanfare

New