What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
overread
Example
Don't overread into what she said, it was just a passing comment. [overread: verb]
Example
His tendency to overread every email made him anxious and stressed. [overreading: gerund or present participle]
exaggerate
Example
She tends to exaggerate her accomplishments to impress others. [exaggerate: verb]
Example
The news media often exaggerates the severity of natural disasters to attract viewers. [exaggerating: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Exaggerate is more commonly used than overread in everyday language. Exaggerate is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while overread is less common and typically used in academic or literary contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between overread and exaggerate?
While overread is typically associated with a formal and academic tone, exaggerate is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
