A language is structured through multiple factors. However, some literary devices can make the text more intriguing and eye-catching by sophistically portraying a comparison of the simple situation with exaggerations.
One such literary device is hyperbole, which has often been seen employed in the literature and the speech of seasoned writers and orators.
Although it is useful in spicing up literary texts, people are not aware of its basic facets and applications.
So, here we are with a crisp and concise guide explaining hyperbole meaning, definition, and exploring all its dimensions along with illustrations of its uses.
What is Hyperbole?
Getting directly into the topic, according to the Cambridge Dictionary, a hyperbole is “a way of speaking or writing that makes someone or something sound bigger, better, more, etc., than they are.”
Digging deeper into its essence, the term originated from a Greek word, “excess” or “exaggeration,” i.e., explaining something that is not typically possible but equated with a general practice.
One of the simplest examples here can be “I have told you a million times,” which is used often but is not practical.
It is generally used in poetry and oratory to induce a strong feeling and have an influence and impact on the listeners. Some of its tacit attributes hint that it needs to be an expression that is not possible.
In general, the opposite of a hyperbole is an understatement, which tones down the actual impact and influence of the statement.
Now, let’s understand it through some e.g of Hyperbole.
Common Examples of Hyperbole
Hyperbole has been used for a long time in diverse domains to yield intense sentimental impact. However, some fields have been using it repeatedly and appropriately, which one can easily connect with.
Here are some examples of hyperbole from common domains that use it recurrently.
- Hyperbole in Literature:
Hyperbole has been a part of literature for ages. One such impressive example to understand it can be from the “Living to tell the tale” poem of Gabriel García Márquez, in which he said,
“At that time, Bogotá was a remote, lugubrious city where an insomniac rain had been falling since the beginning of the 16th century.”
- Hyperbole in Politics:
Though used several times in different perspectives, one of the best examples of hyperbole in a general statement is,
“The bill will bring an end to democracy.”
- Hyperbole in Songs:
The songs we love to listen to also have some hyperbole ingrained in them. Such as Bruno Mars’s song “Grenade,” in which his lyrics were
“I’d catch a grenade for ya
Throw my hand on a blade for ya
I’d jump in front of a train for ya.”
Taking another example, Taylor Swift’s song “You Belong with Me,” in which she sang, “And you’ve got a smile that can light up this whole town.”
- Hyperbole in Daily Life:
Our everyday conversations also contain hyperbole, which we fail to observe and pay heed to. Some examples of them are.
- I haven’t seen you for ages.
- My boss gave me a ton of work.
- We died of laughter at his jokes.
- Hyperbole in the Speech of Donald Trump
In one of the speeches, the current US president, Donald Trump, spoke.
“We are one nation, and their pain is our pain. Their dream is our dream. We share one heart, one home, and one glorious destiny.”
After understanding hyperbole, one can certainly misinterpret it with other language devices.
To avert this confusion, one needs to be cognizant of its difference from other similar concepts.
How Hyperbole Differs from Similes?
A simile is simply a speech figure that compares two unlike things to make a vivid and intriguing description. It generally uses words like “as” or “like”
For example, “The woman was beautiful like a rose.”
However, hyperbole portrays an exaggerated account of a given situation or thing.
The excerpts of the poem “The Concord Hymn” by Ralph Waldo Emerson perfectly explain it, in which he wrote,
“Here, once the embattled farmers stood
And fired the shot heard round the world.”
Now, let’s understand how it varies from the metaphorical device of the English language.
How is Hyperbole Different From a Metaphor?
Both may resemble each other a lot in spirit but have a few differences.
The most fundamental difference between the two is that hyperbole always exaggerates things, while metaphor does it at times.
For example,
In hyperbole, one can say
“What he spoke was the greatest thing anyone has ever said.”
On the flip side, the metaphor of the same stance will be
“What he spoke was music to my ears.”
From this, it can be inferred that metaphor is a reduced and less intense version of hyperbole.
The next important part to cover is how to use this literary device.
How to Use a Hyperbole in Sentences?
Using a hyperbole, structuring it, and adjusting it in the text has some implicit criteria to conform to. They help in constructing an intriguing and eye-catching hyperbole to hook the readers into the text or speech.
Here are some of the basic instructions to keep in mind before forming it:
- A hyperbole can be a word, a phrase, or even a clause in a sentence.
- It should have a mind-blowing impact on the listener’s mind.
- There needs to be a comparison of the incomparable things.
- It should not be taken literally.
These directions will be beneficial in structuring an iconic hyperbole, which can be used in distinct ways, as discussed in the subsequent section.
Being a part of language and literature, it has immense utility in certain highly competitive exams as well, such as IELTS, where having outperforming writing and speaking skills can work wonders.
Let’s understand how it will work.
Use of Hyperbole in IELTS
Hyperboles have a high scope of usage in the speaking test in the IELTS exam. As this entire exam assesses proficiency in English, students use exceptional literary knowledge to score well, such as using proverbs for IELTS.
Similarly, hyperbole, being an effective language device, can help IELTS aspirants in the following ways:
- Exhibiting creativity to the examiner.
- Showing a grasp of literary devices.
Though simple and understandable language is always preferred in such exams, using a hyperbole in the conversation in the speaking test may intrigue the interviewer.
Some examples of using hyperbole in the speaking test are mentioned below:
Example 1:
- He can’t see things properly. (Normal sentence)
- He is as blind as a bat. (Sentence with a hyperbole)
Example 2:
- The curtains are very expensive. (Normal sentence)
- The curtains cost me an arm and a leg. (Sentence with a hyperbole)
Such hyperbole will put a distinct impression on the examiner in the IELTS speaking test, which will boost the chances of scoring good marks.
Apart from this, there are certain other niches where it can be used constructively.
Where Can Hyperbole Be Used?
Being a versatile concept, it has its use in several spheres where one wants to attract attention. Moving forward, here are some common domains of its utility.
- Novels and Literary Texts: They depict a larger-than-life thing, which is ideally required in novels and literature.
- Movies and Songs: Movies and songs generally use it to evoke feelings in the viewers or the listeners. For example, “I’m king of the world!” Jack said in the Titanic movie.
- Everyday Conversation: Hyperbole has a great scope in exaggerating conversations about daily chores.
- Political Scenario: It can be used in reporting or speaking by politicians or representatives. The citizenry can also be persuaded on a ground-gaining issue using this linguistic device.
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Conclusion
Though exaggerated, a hyperbole has always been used to portray the vigor of the feelings in the mind of the writer or speaker. Having a holistic understanding from the above discussion, one can comprehend the hyperbole and interpret what is written between the lines.
FAQs
Ans: It is a literary device that tends to make something sound more exciting and captivating by exaggerating the basic meaning of the statement.
Ans: As hyperbole is a part of language, it can be used in literary texts, politics, advertising, poetry, everyday conversation, and other fields.
Ans: Although both involve hype, hyperbole is a specific type of exaggeration that drives the other person to feel excited.
Ans: Hyperbole is exaggerating a situation or thing, and irony is expressing the opposite of what is meant, which often comes out to be funny.
