What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
exaggeration
Example
I'm so hungry I could eat a horse! [exaggeration: noun]
Example
She always exaggerates her accomplishments to impress others. [exaggerates: verb]
overstatement
Example
Saying that he's the best basketball player in the world is an overstatement. [overstatement: noun]
Example
The politician's claims about his opponent were an obvious overstatement. [overstatement: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Exaggeration is more commonly used in everyday language, while overstatement is less common and more formal.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between exaggeration and overstatement?
Overstatement is more formal than exaggeration and is often used in academic or professional contexts to describe a statement that is intentionally misleading or deceptive.
