Definition

Describing something that is characterized by making things seem larger, more important, or more extreme than they really are.

Example

His exaggerative comments made the story much more entertaining than it actually was.

Conversation

Have you noticed how his stories are always so exaggerative?

Yeah, it's like he can't help but make everything sound more dramatic.

Sometimes I wonder if he believes his own tales.

I think he just enjoys the attention it brings.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Exaggerative → It is formed from "ex-" (meaning out) and "aggerare" (meaning to heap or pile up). The word describes the act of piling up or stretching the truth beyond its limits, leading to an overstatement.

Memory Tip

Think of 'piling up' ('aggerare') something 'out' ('ex-') — that's why exaggerative means to stretch the truth or make something seem more than it is.

Visually Confused Words