hyperbolic

Everyday

1. Hyperbolic language exaggerates on purpose, making things sound much bigger, better or worse than they really are, like «I'm so hungry I could eat a horse.» tree →
2. (maths) Hyperbolic means to do with a hyperbola, a special open curve with two separate branches. tree →

In the lessons

In English lessons on hyperbole and understatement it describes exaggerated sentences used for effect or fun, not to trick. In adverts and news, readers should notice hyperbolic claims («the best ever!»). In higher maths there are hyperbolic curves and functions. Phrases: hyperbolic language, a hyperbolic claim, hyperbolic praise.

Examples

• «This bag weighs a ton» is a hyperbolic way of saying it is heavy. tree →
• The advert made hyperbolic claims about the miracle shampoo. tree →
• Her hyperbolic story said the spider was the size of a dinner plate. tree →
• We underlined all the hyperbolic phrases in the poem. tree →
• He gave hyperbolic praise: «the greatest sandwich in history». tree →
• A hyperbola is a curve, and things to do with it are called hyperbolic. tree →

Note

Said «hy-per-BOL-ik»; the noun hyperbole is said «hy-PER-bo-lee» (four parts, not «hyper-bowl»). Adverb: hyperbolically. Opposite in style: understated (using understatement, or litotes). Hyperbole is not lying: everyone knows it is exaggerated.