exaggerate
Translation
to exaggerate, to overstate
Examples
Don't exaggerate the problem.
Don't exaggerate the problem.
He tends to exaggerate when telling stories.
He tends to exaggerate when telling stories.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to represent (sth.) as being larger or more important than it really is Don't exaggerate the problem.
Similar Words
Synonyms: overstate, embellish; Antonyms: understate, downplay
Etymology
From Latin 'exaggerare' (to heap up), from 'ex-' (out, thoroughly) and 'agger' (a heap). It literally means 'to pile up'.
Memory Tips
Imagine 'piling up' a small story until it becomes a huge mountain. That's exaggerating.