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  1. Dictionary
    overstatement
    /ˌəʊvəˈsteɪtm(ə)nt/

    noun

    • 1. the action of stating something too strongly; exaggeration: "a classic piece of overstatement"

    More definitions, origin and scrabble points

  2. Overstatement is the act of describing or explaining something in a way that makes it seem more important or more serious than it really is. Learn more about the meaning, synonyms, antonyms, and usage of overstatement with examples from the Cambridge Dictionary.

  3. Learn the meaning of overstatement, a noun that describes or explains something in a way that makes it seem more important or more serious than it really is. Find examples, synonyms, antonyms and related words for overstatement in English and Business English.

  4. Jul 16, 2023 · Overstatement is a subtype of verbal irony that exaggerates the intended meaning for effect. Learn how to use overstatement to express joy, romance, drama and more with examples from movies and literature.

  5. : to state in too strong terms : exaggerate. overstated his qualifications. overstatement. ˌō-vər-ˈstāt-mənt. noun. Synonyms. exaggerate. overdo. overdraw. put on. See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus. Examples of overstate in a Sentence.

    • Definition of Overstatement
    • Examples of Overstatement in Literature
    • Function of Overstatement
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    Overstatement is an act of stating something more profoundly than it actually is, in order to make the point more serious or important or beautiful. In literature, writers use overstatement as a literary technique for the sake of humor, and for laying emphasis on a certain point. For instance, when in his poem I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud, Wordswor...

    Example #1: The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County

    In Mark Twain’s short story, The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County, there are several instances of overstatement. For instance, when Simon Wheeler narrates his stories concerning Jim Smiley, Wheeler makes claimthat Jim was a gambler and he probably would, “… foller that straddle-bug to Mexico but what he would find out where he was bound for and how long he was on the road.” It further talks about a bull pup of Jim Smiley and Andrew Jackson:

    Example #2: The Sahara of the Bozart

    Mencken presents evidenceto show his disdain against the southern region of U.S. He berates it for its paucity of cultural, and artistic and intellectual attainment, and therefore calls it the “Sahara Desert,” which is culturally dead.

    Example #3: Romeo and Juliet

    Romeo is praising Juliet’s beauty by using light exaggeration. Here, the playwright uses metaphorto get this job done by comparing Juliet to a burning light that gives light to torches, and like a glowing jewel that shines against African cheeks.

    Writers use this literary technique intentionally to create certain effect. Mostly, it helps to lay emphasis on some point. In prose, its purpose is to create humor and emphasis. When writers want to emphasize a point, they overstate it or exaggerate it. While in poetry, its purpose is to make comparisons and create images. Poets also use it for em...

    Overstatement is a literary technique of exaggerating something to make it more serious, important or beautiful. Learn how writers use overstatement for humor, emphasis, comparison and contrast with examples from Shakespeare, Twain, Mencken and others.

  6. An overstatement is an exaggeration, like when you make the ridiculous overstatement, "You should've seen the fish I caught — it was as big as my leg!" Everyone makes overstatements sometimes, especially when they want to emphasize something's importance or impressiveness.

  7. If you refer to the way something is described is an overstatement, you mean it is described in a way that makes it seem more important or serious than it really is. This may have been an improvement, but 'breakthrough' was an overstatement. True emotion ought not to require overstatement.