Glossary of Linguistic Terms

Hyperbole

Definition: 

Hyperbole is deliberate exaggeration for emotional effect. The addressee is not expected to have a literal understanding of the expression.

Kinds: 
Examples: 

(English)

In the Bible, the following expression from Matthew 23:24 contains examples of hyperbole:

  • Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.
  • The words gnat and camel are hyperbolic expressions of smallness and largeness.

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