Admission Test for Dental Hygiene (ATDH) Practice

Which term describes an exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally?

1. Hyperbole

2. Metaphor

3. Euphemism

4. Simile

The correct answer is: Hyperbole

The term that describes an exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally is hyperbole. Hyperbole is a rhetorical device used to create a dramatic effect or emphasize a point through extreme exaggeration. It is often used in everyday language, literature, and poetry to convey strong feelings or make situations seem more significant than they are. For example, saying "I’m so hungry I could eat a horse" illustrates hyperbole, as it is not meant to be interpreted literally but instead conveys that the speaker is very hungry. In contrast, metaphor involves making a comparison between two unlike things by stating that one is the other, used to create vivid imagery. Euphemism is a mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt. Simile, on the other hand, is a figure of speech that directly compares two things using "like" or "as." Each of these terms serves a different purpose in language and communication, but hyperbole specifically addresses exaggerated claims.