Which figure of speech is described as an exaggerated statement or image?

• A. Metaphor
• B. Hyperbole
• C. Irony
• D. Simile

Answer: (B)

Hyperbole is the figure of speech that uses an exaggerated statement or image to make a strong impression. It’s not meant to be taken literally; the exaggeration highlights how extreme or dramatic something seems, often for humor or emphasis. For example, saying “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse” exaggerates hunger to show it’s very intense, not a literal intent to eat a horse. This differs from a metaphor, which makes a direct comparison by stating one thing is another; a simile explicitly uses like or as; and irony involves saying the opposite of what is meant or a situation that turns out differently from what is expected.