What's the difference between exaggeration and hyperbole?

Exaggeration simply means going over the top. An example is when you are waiting for your friend, and you've been waiting 5 minutes, but you say to him: 'I've been waiting for like half an hour!'

Hyperbole means UNREALISTIC exaggeration. That's the keyword. 'I've been waiting 5 years for you, where've you been???'

'This tree is as tall as a church' might simply be exaggeration, but that other tree being as tall as the moon, is definitely UNREALISTIC enough to be called hyperbole!

AA
Answered by Ahsan A. English tutor

64807 Views

See similar English GCSE tutors

Related English GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Do we have to write PEE or PETAL or PEAL paragraphs?


What is form?


In Lady Macbeth's first speech, how does Shakespeare present ambition? How does he present ambition in the play as a whole?


How does the poet present strong ideas and feelings in 'To A Daughter Leaving Home' (unseen poem)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning