HyperboleHyperbole is when the writer or speaker exaggerates for emphasis or effect. Etymologically, “hyper” translates roughly to “over” and “bole” translates roughly to “throw.” So the word “hyperbole” means to overthrow or to go over. Other forms of hyperbole include hyperbolic (adjective) and hyperbolically (adverb). One way to help students remember hyperbole is to focus on their background knowledge of the word “hyper.” Ask students to describe the behavior of someone who might be considered hyper. Show students that when someone is hyper, they might be doing a little too much. Draw the connection that when someone uses hyperbole, they are going too far.
Examples of hyperbole: 1. Yeah, I already beat that game 80,000 years ago. 2. Nobody listens to that song anymore. 3. Old Mr. Johnson has been teaching here since the Stone Age. 4. Forget knocking it out of the park, Frank can knock a baseball off the continent. 5. These shoes are killing me. UnderstatementUnderstatements are when the speaker or writer express an idea with significantly less force than is expected or would be required to accurately describe an idea. Understatement can be understood as the opposite of hyperbole. In hyperbole, the statement goes too far; whereas in understatement, the statement does not go far enough. Understatement can be used to downplay a negative or to be humorous.
Here are some example understatements: 1. Let’s just say that Bill Gates has got a few nickles to rub together. 2. Learning to juggle flaming chainsaws might be a little tricky at first. 3. It might take her a little while to get over her husband’s affair. 4. Jeffrey Dahmer wasn’t exactly a good neighbor. 5. The middle of the street isn’t the best place for your child to play. |
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