Definition

To make something seem larger, more important, or more extreme than it really is.

Example

He tends to exaggerate his achievements to impress others.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I think he tends to exaggerate his stories a bit too much.

Yeah, sometimes I can't tell what's real and what's just for show.

Exactly! It makes it hard to believe anything he says.

Totally, it would be nice if he toned it down a little.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To make something seem larger, more important, or more extreme than it really is.

Example

He tends to exaggerate his achievements to impress others.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I think you really exaggerate when you talk about your fishing trips.

What? I caught a fish this big, I swear!

Yeah, but you also said it was a 'once-in-a-lifetime' catch last time.

Root Explanation

Exaggerate → It is formed from "ex-" (meaning out) and "aggerare" (meaning to heap or pile up). The word describes the act of piling up details or making something seem greater than it is.

Memory Tip

Think of 'piling up' ('aggerare') details 'out' ('ex-') to remember that exaggerate means to make something seem more than it really is.

Visually Confused Words