What is exaggerated? Pronunciation and usage in English

exaggerated means . Learn how to pronounce and use exaggerated through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of exaggerated

exaggeratedadjective

/ɪɡˈzadʒəreɪtɪd//ɛɡˈzadʒəreɪtɪd/
Definition & pronunciation of exaggerated

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "exaggerated." It can be tricky! Here's a breakdown with tips:

1. Syllable by Syllable:

  • Ex-: Pronounced like "eks" – like the beginning of the word "example." It's a short, quick 'e' sound.
  • ag-: Pronounced like "ag" – as in "age." Short and crisp.
  • gra-: Pronounced like "gra" - similar to the start of "grape."
  • tat-: Pronounced like "tat" – as in "tap."

2. Putting it Together:

So, it sounds like: eks-ag-gra-tat-ed

3. Key Pronunciation Points & Tips:

  • Stress: The primary stress is on the last syllable: -ed. That's the part that gets emphasized.
  • “gra” sound: This is often where people stumble. Make sure you pronounce it clearly as a "grah" sound, not as a long "gra." Think of the "gra" in "grapes."
  • “tat” sound: Again, a clear “tat” sound, just like “tap.”
  • Linking Sounds: The 'd' at the end of "ed" will often link smoothly to the next word.

4. Listen to Examples:

The best way to learn is to hear it. Here are some resources:

In short, it’s approximately: /ɪkˌzæɡərˈeɪtɪd/ (This is the phonetic transcription, which can be helpful to see the vowel and consonant sounds).

To help you further, could you tell me:

  • Are there any specific parts of the word you find particularly difficult?

Usage and examples with the word exaggerated in English

Let's break down how to use the word "exaggerated" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different nuances, but essentially it means making something seem larger, more intense, or more important than it actually is.

1. As an Adjective (Describing something):

This is the most common usage. "Exaggerated" describes something that has been embellished or overemphasized.

  • Example 1: "His reaction to the spilled coffee was exaggerated; he was perfectly calm." (Meaning: His reaction seemed much bigger and more dramatic than the actual event.)
  • Example 2: "The news report used exaggerated language to describe the storm." (Meaning: The report used overly dramatic words to make the storm sound more frightening.)
  • Example 3: "The travel brochure presented a exaggerated view of the island – it wasn't as luxurious as it looked." (Meaning: The brochure made the island seem more wonderful than it really was.)

2. As a Verb (Describing an action):

"Exaggerate" is the verb form of the word. It means to make something seem larger, more intense, or more important than it is.

  • Example 1: "He exaggerated the extent of his injuries." (Meaning: He made his injuries sound much worse than they actually were.)
  • Example 2: "Don’t exaggerate your feelings; it’s not that serious." (Meaning: Don’t make your feelings seem more intense than they are.)
  • Example 3: "The comedian exaggerated the details of his story for comic effect." (Meaning: He made aspects of the story more dramatic and over-the-top for humor.)

Here's a breakdown of the different ways you might use it, with examples:

  • To describe someone's story: "He exaggerated the details of his adventure to make it sound more exciting."
  • To describe an appearance: “The photographs made her beauty seem exaggerated.” (Meaning: The photos made her look more attractive than she is in reality.)
  • To describe a feeling: "She exaggerated her sadness; she was just a little disappointed."
  • To describe a problem: "Don't exaggerate the potential problems – they're manageable."

Synonyms for "Exaggerated":

  • Overstated: Similar to exaggerated, emphasizes over-reporting.
  • Amplified: Suggests making something bigger or louder.
  • Inflated: Often used for prices or claims (e.g., inflated prices).
  • Hyperbolic: This implies extreme exaggeration, often for rhetorical effect.
  • Overblown: Similar to overstated, suggesting something is excessively emphasized.
  • embellished: Adds details, often creatively but sometimes misleadingly.

Tips for using "Exaggerated" correctly:

  • Consider the context: Think about what is being exaggerated. Is it a story, a feeling, a situation, or something else?
  • Pay attention to the tone: “Exaggerated” can sometimes have a slightly negative connotation, suggesting that someone is being dishonest or dramatic. However, it can also be used playfully.

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples?
  • Explain a specific nuance of the word?
  • Help you write a sentence using "exaggerated"?

Synonyms for the word exaggerated

Practice with vocabulary exaggerated

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

Complete the following sentences with the most appropriate word.

  1. The marketing team's claims about the product's performance were widely considered to be _______, leading to customer dissatisfaction.
  2. His description of the minor incident as a 'catastrophic disaster' was clearly _______.
  3. The preliminary data turned out to be quite _______, causing the project team to re-evaluate their initial projections.
  4. Despite the manager's concerns, the actual impact of the system error on overall productivity was _______.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

Select all the words that correctly complete each sentence.

  1. The financial report contained figures that many stakeholders found difficult to believe, suggesting they were significantly _______. (A) accurate (B) exaggerated (C) precise (D) understated (E) inflated
  2. To make the news story more appealing, the editor encouraged the journalist to present the events in a somewhat _______ manner, focusing on dramatic details. (A) factual (B) precise (C) objective (D) exaggerated (E) sensationalized
  3. Her reaction to the minor inconvenience, screaming and throwing her hands up, was quite _______. It wasn't that big of a deal. (A) measured (B) restrained (C) extreme (D) exaggerated (E) appropriate
  4. When delivering a critical presentation, it is crucial to use _______ language to avoid misunderstandings among the audience. (A) ambiguous (B) concise (C) vague (D) precise (E) elaborate
  5. Due to the conflicting reports from various sources, the true scope of the issue remains _______. (A) transparent (B) certain (C) unclear (D) definitive (E) ambiguous

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

Rewrite each sentence according to the instructions provided.

  1. Original: He always makes things sound much worse than they actually are, especially when he tells stories about his past. Rewrite using "exaggerated":
  2. Original: The company's CEO presented an overly optimistic outlook for the quarter, which many analysts found difficult to believe. Rewrite using "exaggerated" or a related word form:
  3. Original: The official report downplayed the severity of the damage, presenting a less serious picture than reality. Rewrite using a suitable replacement word (do not use "exaggerated"):

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. exaggerated
  2. exaggerated
  3. misleading
  4. negligible

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. (B) exaggerated, (E) inflated
  2. (D) exaggerated, (E) sensationalized
  3. (C) extreme, (D) exaggerated
  4. (B) concise, (D) precise
  5. (C) unclear, (E) ambiguous

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. His descriptions of past events are often exaggerated, making them sound much worse than they actually were.
  2. The CEO's outlook for the quarter was considered exaggerated by many analysts, as it seemed overly optimistic.
  3. The official report understated the severity of the damage, presenting a less serious picture than reality.

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