An intentionally exaggerated figure of speech used for emphasis or humor is called what?

• A. Simile
• B. Metaphor
• C. Analogy
• D. Hyperbole

Answer: (D)

Hyperbole is an intentionally exaggerated statement used for emphasis or humor. It makes something seem much bigger, better, or more dramatic than it actually is, and it isn’t meant to be taken literally. This device shows up in everyday speech and in writing to create a strong impression or a comic effect. For example, saying, “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse” uses exaggeration to express extreme hunger, not a literal plan to eat an animal.

By comparison, a simile makes a comparison using like or as, such as “as loud as thunder,” while a metaphor makes a direct claim that something is something else, like “the classroom was a zoo.” An analogy is a longer, explanatory comparison used to help someone understand an idea by relating it to something familiar. Hyperbole stands out because its power comes from overstating reality to produce humor or emphasis.