What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
overrating
Example
I think people are overrating that new restaurant. It's not that great. [overrating: verb]
Example
The movie received a lot of overrating from critics, but I didn't find it that impressive. [overrating: noun]
exaggerate
Example
Don't exaggerate your accomplishments on your resume. [exaggerate: verb]
Example
She tends to exaggerate her symptoms when she's sick. [exaggerate: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Exaggerate is more commonly used than overrating in everyday language. Exaggerate is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while overrating is less common and refers to a specific type of overestimation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between overrating and exaggerate?
Both overrating and exaggerate are typically associated with an informal tone, but overrating may be used in more formal contexts such as academic or professional writing.