Which term expresses exaggeration for effect, not meant to be taken literally?

Which term expresses exaggeration for effect, not meant to be taken literally?

• A. A description of something abstract
• B. A reference to a known person or event
• C. Hyperbole
• D. A comparison using like or as

Answer: (C)

Exaggeration for effect is expressed through hyperbole. Hyperbole is a figure of speech that uses obvious, intentional exaggeration to make something seem much more dramatic or humorous than it would be in real life, even though we don’t intend to take it literally. For example, saying “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse” communicates a strong feeling of hunger, not a literal plan to eat a horse. The other options describe different literary devices: describing something abstract isn’t about exaggeration; referring to a known person or event is an allusion; and using like or as to make a comparison is a simile. So the correct term for exaggeration used for effect is hyperbole.

Exaggeration for effect is expressed through hyperbole. Hyperbole is a figure of speech that uses obvious, intentional exaggeration to make something seem much more dramatic or humorous than it would be in real life, even though we don’t intend to take it literally. For example, saying “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse” communicates a strong feeling of hunger, not a literal plan to eat a horse. The other options describe different literary devices: describing something abstract isn’t about exaggeration; referring to a known person or event is an allusion; and using like or as to make a comparison is a simile. So the correct term for exaggeration used for effect is hyperbole.