What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dramatise
Example
She always likes to dramatise her stories to make them more interesting. [dramatise: verb]
Example
The actor's performance was so powerful that it really dramatised the character's emotions. [dramatised: past tense]
exaggerate
Example
He tends to exaggerate his accomplishments to impress others. [exaggerate: verb]
Example
Her reaction was so exaggerated that it seemed fake. [exaggerated: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Exaggerate is more commonly used than dramatise in everyday language. Exaggerate is a versatile word that can be used in a wide range of contexts, while dramatise is more specific to storytelling or theater.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dramatise and exaggerate?
Both dramatise and exaggerate can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, dramatise may be seen as more formal due to its association with theater and storytelling.