B2verblanguagepsychology
US/ɪɡˈzædʒ.ə.reɪt/
UK/ɪɡˈzædʒ.ə.reɪt/
to make something seem bigger, better or worse than it really is
In context
He tends to exaggerate when he tells stories about his trip.
I am not exaggerating: the line was over two hours long.
The newspaper exaggerated the risk, and people panicked.
Words that go with exaggerate
verb + noun
- exaggerate the importanceIt is hard to exaggerate the importance of sleep.
- exaggerate the problemCritics say the media exaggerate the problem.
- exaggerate the riskDo not exaggerate the risk of flying.
- exaggerate the extentSome reports exaggerate the extent of the damage.
adverb + verb
- greatly exaggerateReports of his death were greatly exaggerated.
- grossly exaggerateThe company grossly exaggerated its profits.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
exaggerate aboutCorrect: exaggerate