WorldJuly 14, 2026

hyperbole

/haɪˈpɜːrbəli/

Definition

Extravagant, intentionally exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally, often used for rhetorical effect or to emphasize a point.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek word 'hyperbolē', meaning 'excess' or 'throwing beyond'. It entered English via Latin to describe the figure of speech involving deliberate exaggeration.

In the news

The author uses this term to describe Andrew Giuliani's grand, idealized praise of American influence at the World Cup. It highlights the gap between his lofty, nationalistic rhetoric and the practical, collaborative nature of international security.

Trump could learn from the World Cup’s International Police Co-operation Center

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