Search results
Jul 16, 2023 · Overstatement is when you use language to exaggerate your intended meaning. These statements count as figurative language and are not meant to be taken literally. Also known as hyperbole, overstatement is used intentionally to emphasis the importance of your statement.
- Definition of Overstatement
- Examples of Overstatement in Literature
- Function of Overstatement
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...
An overstatement is a literary device that writers use when they want to make a situation seem more dramatic, outrageous, or in some way different than it actually is. This is sometimes done for comedic effect, while in other instances, it can be used more seriously.
the act of describing or explaining something in a way that makes it seem more important or more serious than it really is: It would be an overstatement to say that she deserved to win the race. Synonym. exaggeration. Opposite. understatement. SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases. Exaggerating & playing down. bloviate.
the act of describing or explaining something in a way that makes it seem more important or more serious than it really is: It would be an overstatement to say that she deserved to win the race. Synonym. exaggeration. Opposite. understatement. SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases. Exaggerating & playing down. bloviate.
Overstatement is an act of mentioning some thing extra profoundly than it honestly is, with a purpose to make the factor greater critical or critical or beautiful. In literature, writers use overstatement as a literary method for the sake of humor, and for laying emphasis on a positive factor.
Overstatement means exactly what it says-exaggerating something or "over" stating its meaning, value, or importance. Writers use overstatement to emphasize a point or to enhance a description or an idea.
