Meaning & Definition
verb
To represent something as being larger, greater, better, or worse than it really is.
She tends to exaggerate her achievements when telling her friends about her job.
To overstate or make an overemphasized claim.
The story he told about the storm was so exaggerated that no one believed it.
To increase the importance or effect of something beyond the truth.
It's not necessary to exaggerate the consequences of the issue; we can approach it calmly.
To enlarge or increase something in a misleading way.
The advertisement exaggerated the benefits of the product, making it seem like a miracle solution.
Etymology
From Latin 'exaggerare', meaning 'to heap up, increase, to elevate'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
blow out of proportion:
To make something seem more serious or important than it is.
make a mountain out of a molehill:
To exaggerate a trivial matter.
Slang Meanings
Lay it on thick
He really laid it on thick about his vacation.
Go overboard
She went overboard with the decorations for the party.