Please post your examples of hyperbole and understatement (with accompanying context and analysis as per the assignment ) as comments on this post. Due date is by the start of class on Thursday, September 5th (which is a CUNY Monday, so we do meet). You are welcome to post late for partial credit.
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Hyperbole: I can hear your footsteps from a mile away.
Understatement: To the non writers, conducting an essay can be a bit of a struggle.
Hyperbole– Im so hungry I can eat a horse.
Understatement– To the people that don’t know the English language, learning English is not hard.
hyperbole #2– She’s taller than the Empire State Building.
understatement #2– (when you hit bump in the road and your back of the car falls off…)
it’s only a small dent.
Hyperbole Example: The amazon fire is so bad humans may have to take turns breathing the hair.
Analysis: This is an example of hyperbole because the idea of the amazon forest is basic but it is being exaggerated for effect.
Understatement Example: I got the highest grade on my test but I feel that I did okay.
Analysis: This is an example of a understatement because I was being modest instead of bragging about my test score.
Hyperbole: It’s raining cats and dogs outside
Analysis: it’s raining too much outside
Understatement: The test was easy but I’m not sure if I did good on it.
Analysis: Being too unsure about your result even though you said the test was easy
Hyperbole Example #2: My sister runs fast like the flash and faster than the wind.
Analysis: This is a example of hyperbole because she exaggerates the way her sister runs by saying her running is faster than the wind.
Understatement Example #2: It rained really hard this year than unusual.
Analysis: The streets were flooded and the rain was really heavy.
Hyperbole Example #2: My sister runs fast like the flash and faster than the wind.
Analysis: This is a example of hyperbole because she exaggerates the way her sister runs by saying her running is faster than the wind.
Understatement Example #2: It rained really hard this year than unusual.
Analysis: The streets were flooded and the rain was really heavy.
Hyperbole: I am so hungry that I could eat an elephant
Understatement: Beyonce is a decent performer
hyperbole: His jawline is so sharp it could cut me like a knife!
analysis: A jawline cannot actually cut someone but this sentence is exaggerated to depict how “sharp” the boy’s jawline is.
understatement: The Kardashians have a fair amount of money.
analysis: The Kardashians are known for having large sums of money but this sentence makes it seem as though they have an average amount.
Hyperbole: My dad will kill me if he finds out I failed my college class.
Analysis: this is an example of hyperbole because my dad wouldn’t actually kill me, he would just get upset and mad.
Understatement- There’s a hurricane coming, at least there would be no school tomorrow.
Analysis: this is an example of an understatement because a hurricane will do a lot of damage but I’m only thinking about how school will be closed. I’m making the situation small.
Understatement #2: (It’s the coldest day since forever) “it’s a bit chilly today”
Analysis: I’m making it seem like it’s less cold then what it is.
Hyperbole#2: I’m so hungry that I could eat my dog.
Analysis: im exaggerating the fact that I’m so hungry but I wouldn’t actually eat my dog.
Hyperbole: I tell my sister a million times everyday to clean up after herself.
Understatement: I went to restaurant to have the worlds best coffee. When I tried it, it was good.
Hyperbole: My book-bag weighs a ton!!
Analysis: In this example, the speaker claims that their bag weighs a ton although the bag might not literally weigh a ton. The hyperbole being used emphasizes that the bag feels very heavy.
Understatement: Really, it’s hardly noticeable
Analysis: If your friend spilled red wine on their white shirt at a restaurant or at dinner this would be a polite understatement because the speaker is trying to comfort or assure that the stain on their shirt isn’t that noticeable however the reality is that anyone can the wine stain on the shirt.
hyperbole #1: ” Im starving, I can eat a whole cow.”
analysis: this an example of a hyperbole because yes I’m hungry but I’m exaggerating because I obviously wouldn’t be able to eat a whole cow.
understatement: The weather is only 20 degrees and im a little bit cold
analysis: this is an example of an understatement because the temperature is extremely cold and the person is saying its a little bit cold.
Hyperbole #1: “This train is taking so long, it feels like the whole week went by”
Context: This can be used when waiting for a train that is taking long to arrive as an exaggeration.
Analysis: “whole week went by” doesn’t literally mean a whole week went by, its just an exaggeration trying to make the point of the train is taking so long.
Hyperbole #2: “I ran so much that I’m dying of thirst, and can drink a whole river”
Context: This hyperbole can be used when jogging a few miles or just doing an activity that gets you tired enough for you to be VERY thirsty and not actually “die” of thirst”
Analysis: “dying of thirst” doesn’t actually mean your literally dying because your dehydrated, it means your just really thirsty. Also, “drink a whole river” doesn’t actually mean you can drink a whole river because we all know that isn’t physically possible. This hyperbole can be used to support the point of being VERY thirsty.
Understatement #1: “The doctor told me I broke to parts on my ankle so its going to hurt a little when I walk on it”
Context: Understatements like this can be used when you get injured and you obviously look very hurt, but they still ask if your okay.
Analysis: The “hurt a little when i walk on it” is the understatement because obviously if you break any part in your ankle, you won’t be able to walk on it without feeling severe pain.
Understatement #2: “Its not a big deal, I just failed my final exam”
Context: Understatements like this can be used when you tell someone you failed your final, but they say “its going to be okay” because we obviously know that failing a final means you fail the class.
Analysis: Saying “its not a big deal” is the understatement because we all know failing a FINAL is a huge deal and affects your overall grade.
Hyperbole #1: My sister took centuries getting ready for the party.
Analysis: This is an example of hyperbole because my sister clearly did not take centuries to get ready but it is exaggerating the fact that she took a long time to get ready.
Hyperbole #2: I was dying to buy new clothes for the Winter.
Analysis: This is an example of hyperbole because I was not literally dying but I exaggerated the fact that I really wanted to buy new clothes.
Understatement #1: (You get expelled from school) “I guess I got in a bit of trouble today”
Analysis: This is an example of understatement because the severity of getting expelled is diluted by using the phrase “a bit”.
Understatement #2: (My dance team won first place in the competition)
Analysis: This is an example of understatement because although my team won first place I made it seem as if it was not a big accomplishment.
Hyperbole: He ran like a cheetah.
Analysis: Because he ran very fast, he is compared to a cheetah because the fastest land animal is a cheetah.
Hyperbole: It’s so hot outside I could melt.
Analysis: We can’t melt from the heat outside but it’s so hot that it felt like I would melt.
Understatement: I’m pretty happy with my pay raise. (Modest)
Analysis: My job offered me a raise but I don’t want to brag or seem overly excited.
Understatement: It’s kind of cold outside today, it’s only 25 degrees.
Analysis: The word “only” is used to make it seem like 25 degrees is not freezing temperature.
Hyperbole#1:” if we go on the kingda ka we’re going to die”
Analysis: This is an example of hyperbole because the person is trying to describe the thrill of the ride but is exaggerating it because if that were to be the case they most likely wouldn’t think of getting on the ride.
Hyperbole #2: “ Sun kissed skin so hot, we’ll melt your popsicle” -Katy Perry
Analysis: This is a hyperbole because a person’s skin nor presence can actually melt some even a popsicle.
Understatement #1:” I really messed up this time “- Jeffery Dahmer
Analysis : This is considered an understatement because it makes killing 17 people less important than it really is.
Understatement #2: saying it’s a bit cold today when it’s snowing
Analysis: It takes more than a bit of coldness to freeze anything
Hyperbole #1: “Im so hungry I can eat a horse.”
Analysis: This is a hyperbole because the person is extremely hungry & they exaggerate it by saying they could eat a horse
Hyperbole #2: “Id rather stab my eye out than spend another minute with you”
Analysis: This is a hyperbole because the person does not want to be around a specific person anymore & they exaggerate it by saying they rather get their eye stabbed out than be around that person for any longer.
Understatement #1: After you crash your car & say “its just a little scratch”
Analysis: This is an understatement because its clearly more than just a scratch on their car, they fully crashed it.
Understatement #2: Saying “no big deal” after winning your first trophy.
Analysis: This is an understatement because “no big deal” represents the situation less than what it really is, winning their first trophy was actually a big deal.
Hyperbole #1: “I didn’t clean the house, my mom is going to kill me!”
Analysis: Although the mom isn’t going to kill them it emphasizes how angry the mother will be after finding out that the house wasn’t cleaned.
Hyperbole #2: “I have a million things to do today”
Analysis: The word “Millions” acts to dramatize the list of things to do. It stretches out the meaning as IF the person as so much to do.
Understatement #1: “I did okay on my exam, I got an 85%.”
Analysis: “Okay” helps the speaker seem modest in a way, fully knowing they did well.
Understatement #2: When your friend spills something on your shirt and you say “don’t worry its hardly noticeable”
Analysis: As the speaker is polite with their understanding – it helps the person who spilled something on them not feel bad.
Hyperbole: He’s running faster than lightning.
Analysis: Although he isn’t as fast as lightning it’s emphasizing how fast he could really run.
Understatement: Saying “it rained a bit” when a flood occurred.
Analysis: Obviously it poured outside and by saying “it rained a bit” minimizes how much it actually rained.
Hyperbole #1
I miss him so much it’s killing me.
Analysis: Although it’s not going to kill them emphasis is used to express how much they really miss this person.
Understatement #1
Saying “I did pretty good” in highschool after receiving Valedictorian.
Analysis: This is a modest understatement because the speaker actually did phenomenal in highschool. Saying I did pretty good expresses less passion than one should actually feel being that they graduated with the highest ranking among their whole graduating class.
Hyperbole #2
It took you forever to call me back
Analysis: This is an example of a hyperbole because its exaggerating how long it took for the person to call back. It didn’t take forever to do so it just took them some time.
Understatement #2
Saying “it’s just a little scratch” when there is a long scratch, blood and a bruise on the person’s face
Analysis:
This is an understatement used to minimize the situation and make it seem like its not that serious even though it is.
Hyperbole Example #2: My sister runs fast like the flash and faster than the wind.
Analysis: This is a example of hyperbole because she exaggerates the way her sister runs by saying her running is faster than the wind.
Understatement Example #2: It rained really hard this year than unusual.
Analysis: The streets were flooded and the rain was really heavy.
Hyperbole #1: The baby was crying louder than a truck engine
Analysis #1: This is an example of hyperbole because the baby can’t cry louder than a truck, he was just crying really loud.
Hyperbole #2: When we went down the roller coaster I die.
Analysis #2: This is another example of hyperbole because the person didn’t really die, they were really scared when they went down the roller coaster.
Understatement #1: A person that has not eaten for 3 days. An understatement would be I’m not that hungry
Analysis #1: This is an example of Understatement because when a person has not eaten anything for three days they would be really hungry.
Understatement #2: A person just climbed up a building with no climbing gear. An understatement would be anyone can do it.
Analysis#2: This is an example of Understatement because not just anyone can climb up a building with no gear, it takes a lot of skill and practice.
Hyperbole #1: I’m so hungry I could eat a horse.
Analysis #1: He’s not actually going to eat a horse he is just explaining how hungry he is.
Hyperbole #2: I haven’t seen you in ages.
Analysis #2: He is just expressing how he hasn’t seen his friend in a long time.
Understatement #1: You just won the biggest lottery. An understatement would be I’m a little excited.
Analysis #1: This is an understatement because if he won the lottery he would be really happy.
Understatement #2: You got the highest grade in the class. An understatement would be ” I did ok”.
Analysis #2: This is an example of an Understatement because If you did the best in the class you didn’t just do ok.
Hyperbole #1: Your suitcase weighs a ton!
Analysis:The suitcase doesn’t actually weigh a ton, it’s just an exaggeration to give an idea of how heavy it is.
Hyperbole #2: I ate so much, I think I’m going to explode.
Analysis: It’s gives you an idea of how much I ate and how full Iam.
Understatement#1: “I have to get this surgery, it’s just a small tumor”
Analysis:Getting surgery is dangerous no matter what, especially if it’s tumor related.
Understatement #2:”It’s just a broken bone”
Analysis:Even though it is just a “broken bone” it’s still painful and dangerous.
Hyperbole #1: It’s raining cats and dogs outside
Analysis: People usually say this when it’s raining hard outside, and doesn’t seem as it’ll lighten up anytime soon. this phrase is heard mostly down south and once in a while in some cities.
Hyperbole#2: if I wait any longer, I think my bladder will explode
Analysis: People can often say it when they desperately have to urinate but need to either wait in line or have to hold it in as well as when their bladder is at capacity. this phrase really isn’t heard nowadays.
Understatement #1: It is pouring outside, and someone says ” It’s just a little bit of rain what harm can it do”
Analysis: the weather outside is quite intense and even though its just rain you can still get sick or end up hurting yourself
Understatement #2: “oh it’s just a bee sting”, however you are highly allergic to bees
Analysis: Even though the bee sting can end up killing you/hospitalizing you if not treated, the person doesn’t want to worry you about them or cause you to panic.
Hyperbole #1: “This train is taking so long, it feels like the whole week went by”
Context: This can be used when waiting for a train that is taking long to arrive as an exaggeration.
Analysis: “whole week went by” doesn’t literally mean a whole week went by, its just an exaggeration trying to make the point of the train is taking so long.
Hyperbole #2: “I ran so much that I’m dying of thirst, and can drink a whole river”
Context: This hyperbole can be used when jogging a few miles or just doing an activity that gets you tired enough for you to be VERY thirsty and not actually “die” of thirst”
Analysis: “dying of thirst” doesn’t actually mean your literally dying because your dehydrated, it means your just really thirsty. Also, “drink a whole river” doesn’t actually mean you can drink a whole river because we all know that isn’t physically possible. This hyperbole can be used to support the point of being VERY thirsty.
Understatement #1: “The doctor told me I broke to parts on my ankle so its going to hurt a little when I walk on it”
Context: Understatements like this can be used when you get injured and you obviously look very hurt, but they still ask if your okay.
Analysis: The “hurt a little when i walk on it” is the understatement because obviously if you break any part in your ankle, you won’t be able to walk on it without feeling severe pain.
Understatement #2: “Its not a big deal, I just failed my final exam”
Context: Understatements like this can be used when you tell someone you failed your final, but they say “its going to be okay” because we obviously know that failing a final means you fail the class.
Analysis: Saying “its not a big deal” is the understatement because we all know failing a FINAL is a huge deal and affects your overall grade.
Hyperbole #1: “This train is taking so long, it feels like the whole week went by”
Context: This can be used when waiting for a train that is taking long to arrive as an exaggeration.
Analysis: “whole week went by” doesn’t literally mean a whole week went by, its just an exaggeration trying to make the point of the train is taking so long.
Hyperbole #2: “I ran so much that I’m dying of thirst, and can drink a whole river”
Context: This hyperbole can be used when jogging a few miles or just doing an activity that gets you tired enough for you to be VERY thirsty and not actually “die” of thirst”
Analysis: “dying of thirst” doesn’t actually mean your literally dying because your dehydrated, it means your just really thirsty. Also, “drink a whole river” doesn’t actually mean you can drink a whole river because we all know that isn’t physically possible. This hyperbole can be used to support the point of being VERY thirsty.
Understatement #1: “The doctor told me I broke to parts on my ankle so its going to hurt a little when I walk on it”
Context: Understatements like this can be used when you get injured and you obviously look very hurt, but they still ask if your okay.
Analysis: The “hurt a little when i walk on it” is the understatement because obviously if you break any part in your ankle, you won’t be able to walk on it without feeling severe pain.
Understatement #2: “Its not a big deal, I just failed my final exam”
Context: Understatements like this can be used when you tell someone you failed your final, but they say “its going to be okay” because we obviously know that failing a final means you fail the class.
Analysis: Saying “its not a big deal” is the understatement because we all know failing a FINAL is a huge deal and affects your overall grade.
Hyperbole #1: “This train is taking so long, it feels like the whole week went by”
Context: This can be used when waiting for a train that is taking long to arrive as an exaggeration.
Analysis: “whole week went by” doesn’t literally mean a whole week went by, its just an exaggeration trying to make the point of the train is taking so long.
Hyperbole #2: “I ran so much that I’m dying of thirst, and can drink a whole river”
Context: This hyperbole can be used when jogging a few miles or just doing an activity that gets you tired enough for you to be VERY thirsty and not actually “die” of thirst”
Analysis: “dying of thirst” doesn’t actually mean your literally dying because your dehydrated, it means your just really thirsty. Also, “drink a whole river” doesn’t actually mean you can drink a whole river because we all know that isn’t physically possible. This hyperbole can be used to support the point of being VERY thirsty.
Understatement #1: “The doctor told me I broke to parts on my ankle so its going to hurt a little when I walk on it”
Context: Understatements like this can be used when you get injured and you obviously look very hurt, but they still ask if your okay.
Analysis: The “hurt a little when i walk on it” is the understatement because obviously if you break any part in your ankle, you won’t be able to walk on it without feeling severe pain.
Understatement #2: “Its not a big deal, I just failed my final exam”
Context: Understatements like this can be used when you tell someone you failed your final, but they say “its going to be okay” because we obviously know that failing a final means you fail the class.
Analysis: Saying “its not a big deal” is the understatement because we all know failing a FINAL is a huge deal and affects your overall grade.
Understatement #1: “The doctor told me I broke to parts on my ankle so its going to hurt a little when I walk on it”
Context: Understatements like this can be used when you get injured and you obviously look very hurt, but they still ask if your okay.
Analysis: The “hurt a little when i walk on it” is the understatement because obviously if you break any part in your ankle, you won’t be able to walk on it without feeling severe pain.
Understatement #2: “Its not a big deal, I just failed my final exam”
Context: Understatements like this can be used when you tell someone you failed your final, but they say “its going to be okay” because we obviously know that failing a final means you fail the class.
Analysis: Saying “its not a big deal” is the understatement because we all know failing a FINAL is a huge deal and affects your overall grade.
Hyperbole: my sister is going to kill me when she finds out I lost her keys
Analysis: my sister isn’t going to actually kill me after she finds out I lost her keys. The use of the word “kill” is to exaggerate and put emphasis on how angry my sister is going to be.
Understatement: she went to the hospital and she broke her nose, but she’s totally fine.
Analysis: “she” is obviously not “totally fine” because of the fact that she broke her nose and went to the hospital. The statement is underplaying the subjects injuries. Such an understatement has ideas that can be seemingly contradictory when read at a glance/without any context.
HYPERBOLE:
EXAMPLE 1: “It’s like i got an elephant in my bag.”
CONTEXT: Used when your bag is really heavy and you just want to complain.
ANALYSIS: An elephant can’t fit in a bag. It’s an exaggeration on how heavy your bag really is.
EXAMPLE 2: “This is the worst day of my life.”
CONTEXT: Used when your upset, something bad happened, or you’re just having a really bad day.
ANALYSIS: You don’t know if it really is the worst day of your life because you still have more days, months, or years to live and find that out, but you want to express that it was a horrible day.
UNDERSTATEMENT:
EXAMPLE 1: “It’s only a small cut.”
CONTEXT: Can be used when you got cut and your bleeding and someone asks if they’re ok.
ANALYSIS: The person is trying the lessen the urgency of helping the cut heal or the pain from the cut. They make it seem like the cut was nothing, but it really is something.
EXAMPLE 2: “It’s a little pricey.”
CONTEXT: WHen you’re buying something and something is more than you expected, but you kind of want it.
ANALYSIS: They’re trying to diminish the price from what it actually is so that it could seem a little reasonable to buy it.
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Hyperbole: I can hear your footsteps from a mile away.
Understatement: To the non writers, conducting an essay can be a bit of a struggle.
Hyperbole– Im so hungry I can eat a horse.
Understatement– To the people that don’t know the English language, learning English is not hard.
hyperbole #2– She’s taller than the Empire State Building.
understatement #2– (when you hit bump in the road and your back of the car falls off…)
it’s only a small dent.
Hyperbole Example: The amazon fire is so bad humans may have to take turns breathing the hair.
Analysis: This is an example of hyperbole because the idea of the amazon forest is basic but it is being exaggerated for effect.
Understatement Example: I got the highest grade on my test but I feel that I did okay.
Analysis: This is an example of a understatement because I was being modest instead of bragging about my test score.
Hyperbole: It’s raining cats and dogs outside
Analysis: it’s raining too much outside
Understatement: The test was easy but I’m not sure if I did good on it.
Analysis: Being too unsure about your result even though you said the test was easy
Hyperbole Example #2: My sister runs fast like the flash and faster than the wind.
Analysis: This is a example of hyperbole because she exaggerates the way her sister runs by saying her running is faster than the wind.
Understatement Example #2: It rained really hard this year than unusual.
Analysis: The streets were flooded and the rain was really heavy.
Hyperbole Example #2: My sister runs fast like the flash and faster than the wind.
Analysis: This is a example of hyperbole because she exaggerates the way her sister runs by saying her running is faster than the wind.
Understatement Example #2: It rained really hard this year than unusual.
Analysis: The streets were flooded and the rain was really heavy.
Hyperbole: I am so hungry that I could eat an elephant
Understatement: Beyonce is a decent performer
hyperbole: His jawline is so sharp it could cut me like a knife!
analysis: A jawline cannot actually cut someone but this sentence is exaggerated to depict how “sharp” the boy’s jawline is.
understatement: The Kardashians have a fair amount of money.
analysis: The Kardashians are known for having large sums of money but this sentence makes it seem as though they have an average amount.
Hyperbole: My dad will kill me if he finds out I failed my college class.
Analysis: this is an example of hyperbole because my dad wouldn’t actually kill me, he would just get upset and mad.
Understatement- There’s a hurricane coming, at least there would be no school tomorrow.
Analysis: this is an example of an understatement because a hurricane will do a lot of damage but I’m only thinking about how school will be closed. I’m making the situation small.
Understatement #2: (It’s the coldest day since forever) “it’s a bit chilly today”
Analysis: I’m making it seem like it’s less cold then what it is.
Hyperbole#2: I’m so hungry that I could eat my dog.
Analysis: im exaggerating the fact that I’m so hungry but I wouldn’t actually eat my dog.
Hyperbole: I tell my sister a million times everyday to clean up after herself.
Understatement: I went to restaurant to have the worlds best coffee. When I tried it, it was good.
Hyperbole: My book-bag weighs a ton!!
Analysis: In this example, the speaker claims that their bag weighs a ton although the bag might not literally weigh a ton. The hyperbole being used emphasizes that the bag feels very heavy.
Understatement: Really, it’s hardly noticeable
Analysis: If your friend spilled red wine on their white shirt at a restaurant or at dinner this would be a polite understatement because the speaker is trying to comfort or assure that the stain on their shirt isn’t that noticeable however the reality is that anyone can the wine stain on the shirt.
hyperbole #1: ” Im starving, I can eat a whole cow.”
analysis: this an example of a hyperbole because yes I’m hungry but I’m exaggerating because I obviously wouldn’t be able to eat a whole cow.
understatement: The weather is only 20 degrees and im a little bit cold
analysis: this is an example of an understatement because the temperature is extremely cold and the person is saying its a little bit cold.
Hyperbole #1: “This train is taking so long, it feels like the whole week went by”
Context: This can be used when waiting for a train that is taking long to arrive as an exaggeration.
Analysis: “whole week went by” doesn’t literally mean a whole week went by, its just an exaggeration trying to make the point of the train is taking so long.
Hyperbole #2: “I ran so much that I’m dying of thirst, and can drink a whole river”
Context: This hyperbole can be used when jogging a few miles or just doing an activity that gets you tired enough for you to be VERY thirsty and not actually “die” of thirst”
Analysis: “dying of thirst” doesn’t actually mean your literally dying because your dehydrated, it means your just really thirsty. Also, “drink a whole river” doesn’t actually mean you can drink a whole river because we all know that isn’t physically possible. This hyperbole can be used to support the point of being VERY thirsty.
Understatement #1: “The doctor told me I broke to parts on my ankle so its going to hurt a little when I walk on it”
Context: Understatements like this can be used when you get injured and you obviously look very hurt, but they still ask if your okay.
Analysis: The “hurt a little when i walk on it” is the understatement because obviously if you break any part in your ankle, you won’t be able to walk on it without feeling severe pain.
Understatement #2: “Its not a big deal, I just failed my final exam”
Context: Understatements like this can be used when you tell someone you failed your final, but they say “its going to be okay” because we obviously know that failing a final means you fail the class.
Analysis: Saying “its not a big deal” is the understatement because we all know failing a FINAL is a huge deal and affects your overall grade.
Hyperbole #1: My sister took centuries getting ready for the party.
Analysis: This is an example of hyperbole because my sister clearly did not take centuries to get ready but it is exaggerating the fact that she took a long time to get ready.
Hyperbole #2: I was dying to buy new clothes for the Winter.
Analysis: This is an example of hyperbole because I was not literally dying but I exaggerated the fact that I really wanted to buy new clothes.
Understatement #1: (You get expelled from school) “I guess I got in a bit of trouble today”
Analysis: This is an example of understatement because the severity of getting expelled is diluted by using the phrase “a bit”.
Understatement #2: (My dance team won first place in the competition)
Analysis: This is an example of understatement because although my team won first place I made it seem as if it was not a big accomplishment.
Hyperbole: He ran like a cheetah.
Analysis: Because he ran very fast, he is compared to a cheetah because the fastest land animal is a cheetah.
Hyperbole: It’s so hot outside I could melt.
Analysis: We can’t melt from the heat outside but it’s so hot that it felt like I would melt.
Understatement: I’m pretty happy with my pay raise. (Modest)
Analysis: My job offered me a raise but I don’t want to brag or seem overly excited.
Understatement: It’s kind of cold outside today, it’s only 25 degrees.
Analysis: The word “only” is used to make it seem like 25 degrees is not freezing temperature.
Hyperbole#1:” if we go on the kingda ka we’re going to die”
Analysis: This is an example of hyperbole because the person is trying to describe the thrill of the ride but is exaggerating it because if that were to be the case they most likely wouldn’t think of getting on the ride.
Hyperbole #2: “ Sun kissed skin so hot, we’ll melt your popsicle” -Katy Perry
Analysis: This is a hyperbole because a person’s skin nor presence can actually melt some even a popsicle.
Understatement #1:” I really messed up this time “- Jeffery Dahmer
Analysis : This is considered an understatement because it makes killing 17 people less important than it really is.
Understatement #2: saying it’s a bit cold today when it’s snowing
Analysis: It takes more than a bit of coldness to freeze anything
Hyperbole #1: “Im so hungry I can eat a horse.”
Analysis: This is a hyperbole because the person is extremely hungry & they exaggerate it by saying they could eat a horse
Hyperbole #2: “Id rather stab my eye out than spend another minute with you”
Analysis: This is a hyperbole because the person does not want to be around a specific person anymore & they exaggerate it by saying they rather get their eye stabbed out than be around that person for any longer.
Understatement #1: After you crash your car & say “its just a little scratch”
Analysis: This is an understatement because its clearly more than just a scratch on their car, they fully crashed it.
Understatement #2: Saying “no big deal” after winning your first trophy.
Analysis: This is an understatement because “no big deal” represents the situation less than what it really is, winning their first trophy was actually a big deal.
Hyperbole #1: “I didn’t clean the house, my mom is going to kill me!”
Analysis: Although the mom isn’t going to kill them it emphasizes how angry the mother will be after finding out that the house wasn’t cleaned.
Hyperbole #2: “I have a million things to do today”
Analysis: The word “Millions” acts to dramatize the list of things to do. It stretches out the meaning as IF the person as so much to do.
Understatement #1: “I did okay on my exam, I got an 85%.”
Analysis: “Okay” helps the speaker seem modest in a way, fully knowing they did well.
Understatement #2: When your friend spills something on your shirt and you say “don’t worry its hardly noticeable”
Analysis: As the speaker is polite with their understanding – it helps the person who spilled something on them not feel bad.
Hyperbole: He’s running faster than lightning.
Analysis: Although he isn’t as fast as lightning it’s emphasizing how fast he could really run.
Understatement: Saying “it rained a bit” when a flood occurred.
Analysis: Obviously it poured outside and by saying “it rained a bit” minimizes how much it actually rained.
Hyperbole #1
I miss him so much it’s killing me.
Analysis: Although it’s not going to kill them emphasis is used to express how much they really miss this person.
Understatement #1
Saying “I did pretty good” in highschool after receiving Valedictorian.
Analysis: This is a modest understatement because the speaker actually did phenomenal in highschool. Saying I did pretty good expresses less passion than one should actually feel being that they graduated with the highest ranking among their whole graduating class.
Hyperbole #2
It took you forever to call me back
Analysis: This is an example of a hyperbole because its exaggerating how long it took for the person to call back. It didn’t take forever to do so it just took them some time.
Understatement #2
Saying “it’s just a little scratch” when there is a long scratch, blood and a bruise on the person’s face
Analysis:
This is an understatement used to minimize the situation and make it seem like its not that serious even though it is.
Hyperbole Example #2: My sister runs fast like the flash and faster than the wind.
Analysis: This is a example of hyperbole because she exaggerates the way her sister runs by saying her running is faster than the wind.
Understatement Example #2: It rained really hard this year than unusual.
Analysis: The streets were flooded and the rain was really heavy.
Hyperbole #1: The baby was crying louder than a truck engine
Analysis #1: This is an example of hyperbole because the baby can’t cry louder than a truck, he was just crying really loud.
Hyperbole #2: When we went down the roller coaster I die.
Analysis #2: This is another example of hyperbole because the person didn’t really die, they were really scared when they went down the roller coaster.
Understatement #1: A person that has not eaten for 3 days. An understatement would be I’m not that hungry
Analysis #1: This is an example of Understatement because when a person has not eaten anything for three days they would be really hungry.
Understatement #2: A person just climbed up a building with no climbing gear. An understatement would be anyone can do it.
Analysis#2: This is an example of Understatement because not just anyone can climb up a building with no gear, it takes a lot of skill and practice.
Hyperbole #1: I’m so hungry I could eat a horse.
Analysis #1: He’s not actually going to eat a horse he is just explaining how hungry he is.
Hyperbole #2: I haven’t seen you in ages.
Analysis #2: He is just expressing how he hasn’t seen his friend in a long time.
Understatement #1: You just won the biggest lottery. An understatement would be I’m a little excited.
Analysis #1: This is an understatement because if he won the lottery he would be really happy.
Understatement #2: You got the highest grade in the class. An understatement would be ” I did ok”.
Analysis #2: This is an example of an Understatement because If you did the best in the class you didn’t just do ok.
Hyperbole #1: Your suitcase weighs a ton!
Analysis:The suitcase doesn’t actually weigh a ton, it’s just an exaggeration to give an idea of how heavy it is.
Hyperbole #2: I ate so much, I think I’m going to explode.
Analysis: It’s gives you an idea of how much I ate and how full Iam.
Understatement#1: “I have to get this surgery, it’s just a small tumor”
Analysis:Getting surgery is dangerous no matter what, especially if it’s tumor related.
Understatement #2:”It’s just a broken bone”
Analysis:Even though it is just a “broken bone” it’s still painful and dangerous.
Hyperbole #1: It’s raining cats and dogs outside
Analysis: People usually say this when it’s raining hard outside, and doesn’t seem as it’ll lighten up anytime soon. this phrase is heard mostly down south and once in a while in some cities.
Hyperbole#2: if I wait any longer, I think my bladder will explode
Analysis: People can often say it when they desperately have to urinate but need to either wait in line or have to hold it in as well as when their bladder is at capacity. this phrase really isn’t heard nowadays.
Understatement #1: It is pouring outside, and someone says ” It’s just a little bit of rain what harm can it do”
Analysis: the weather outside is quite intense and even though its just rain you can still get sick or end up hurting yourself
Understatement #2: “oh it’s just a bee sting”, however you are highly allergic to bees
Analysis: Even though the bee sting can end up killing you/hospitalizing you if not treated, the person doesn’t want to worry you about them or cause you to panic.
Hyperbole #1: “This train is taking so long, it feels like the whole week went by”
Context: This can be used when waiting for a train that is taking long to arrive as an exaggeration.
Analysis: “whole week went by” doesn’t literally mean a whole week went by, its just an exaggeration trying to make the point of the train is taking so long.
Hyperbole #2: “I ran so much that I’m dying of thirst, and can drink a whole river”
Context: This hyperbole can be used when jogging a few miles or just doing an activity that gets you tired enough for you to be VERY thirsty and not actually “die” of thirst”
Analysis: “dying of thirst” doesn’t actually mean your literally dying because your dehydrated, it means your just really thirsty. Also, “drink a whole river” doesn’t actually mean you can drink a whole river because we all know that isn’t physically possible. This hyperbole can be used to support the point of being VERY thirsty.
Understatement #1: “The doctor told me I broke to parts on my ankle so its going to hurt a little when I walk on it”
Context: Understatements like this can be used when you get injured and you obviously look very hurt, but they still ask if your okay.
Analysis: The “hurt a little when i walk on it” is the understatement because obviously if you break any part in your ankle, you won’t be able to walk on it without feeling severe pain.
Understatement #2: “Its not a big deal, I just failed my final exam”
Context: Understatements like this can be used when you tell someone you failed your final, but they say “its going to be okay” because we obviously know that failing a final means you fail the class.
Analysis: Saying “its not a big deal” is the understatement because we all know failing a FINAL is a huge deal and affects your overall grade.
Hyperbole #1: “This train is taking so long, it feels like the whole week went by”
Context: This can be used when waiting for a train that is taking long to arrive as an exaggeration.
Analysis: “whole week went by” doesn’t literally mean a whole week went by, its just an exaggeration trying to make the point of the train is taking so long.
Hyperbole #2: “I ran so much that I’m dying of thirst, and can drink a whole river”
Context: This hyperbole can be used when jogging a few miles or just doing an activity that gets you tired enough for you to be VERY thirsty and not actually “die” of thirst”
Analysis: “dying of thirst” doesn’t actually mean your literally dying because your dehydrated, it means your just really thirsty. Also, “drink a whole river” doesn’t actually mean you can drink a whole river because we all know that isn’t physically possible. This hyperbole can be used to support the point of being VERY thirsty.
Understatement #1: “The doctor told me I broke to parts on my ankle so its going to hurt a little when I walk on it”
Context: Understatements like this can be used when you get injured and you obviously look very hurt, but they still ask if your okay.
Analysis: The “hurt a little when i walk on it” is the understatement because obviously if you break any part in your ankle, you won’t be able to walk on it without feeling severe pain.
Understatement #2: “Its not a big deal, I just failed my final exam”
Context: Understatements like this can be used when you tell someone you failed your final, but they say “its going to be okay” because we obviously know that failing a final means you fail the class.
Analysis: Saying “its not a big deal” is the understatement because we all know failing a FINAL is a huge deal and affects your overall grade.
Hyperbole #1: “This train is taking so long, it feels like the whole week went by”
Context: This can be used when waiting for a train that is taking long to arrive as an exaggeration.
Analysis: “whole week went by” doesn’t literally mean a whole week went by, its just an exaggeration trying to make the point of the train is taking so long.
Hyperbole #2: “I ran so much that I’m dying of thirst, and can drink a whole river”
Context: This hyperbole can be used when jogging a few miles or just doing an activity that gets you tired enough for you to be VERY thirsty and not actually “die” of thirst”
Analysis: “dying of thirst” doesn’t actually mean your literally dying because your dehydrated, it means your just really thirsty. Also, “drink a whole river” doesn’t actually mean you can drink a whole river because we all know that isn’t physically possible. This hyperbole can be used to support the point of being VERY thirsty.
Understatement #1: “The doctor told me I broke to parts on my ankle so its going to hurt a little when I walk on it”
Context: Understatements like this can be used when you get injured and you obviously look very hurt, but they still ask if your okay.
Analysis: The “hurt a little when i walk on it” is the understatement because obviously if you break any part in your ankle, you won’t be able to walk on it without feeling severe pain.
Understatement #2: “Its not a big deal, I just failed my final exam”
Context: Understatements like this can be used when you tell someone you failed your final, but they say “its going to be okay” because we obviously know that failing a final means you fail the class.
Analysis: Saying “its not a big deal” is the understatement because we all know failing a FINAL is a huge deal and affects your overall grade.
Understatement #1: “The doctor told me I broke to parts on my ankle so its going to hurt a little when I walk on it”
Context: Understatements like this can be used when you get injured and you obviously look very hurt, but they still ask if your okay.
Analysis: The “hurt a little when i walk on it” is the understatement because obviously if you break any part in your ankle, you won’t be able to walk on it without feeling severe pain.
Understatement #2: “Its not a big deal, I just failed my final exam”
Context: Understatements like this can be used when you tell someone you failed your final, but they say “its going to be okay” because we obviously know that failing a final means you fail the class.
Analysis: Saying “its not a big deal” is the understatement because we all know failing a FINAL is a huge deal and affects your overall grade.
Hyperbole: my sister is going to kill me when she finds out I lost her keys
Analysis: my sister isn’t going to actually kill me after she finds out I lost her keys. The use of the word “kill” is to exaggerate and put emphasis on how angry my sister is going to be.
Understatement: she went to the hospital and she broke her nose, but she’s totally fine.
Analysis: “she” is obviously not “totally fine” because of the fact that she broke her nose and went to the hospital. The statement is underplaying the subjects injuries. Such an understatement has ideas that can be seemingly contradictory when read at a glance/without any context.
HYPERBOLE:
EXAMPLE 1: “It’s like i got an elephant in my bag.”
CONTEXT: Used when your bag is really heavy and you just want to complain.
ANALYSIS: An elephant can’t fit in a bag. It’s an exaggeration on how heavy your bag really is.
EXAMPLE 2: “This is the worst day of my life.”
CONTEXT: Used when your upset, something bad happened, or you’re just having a really bad day.
ANALYSIS: You don’t know if it really is the worst day of your life because you still have more days, months, or years to live and find that out, but you want to express that it was a horrible day.
UNDERSTATEMENT:
EXAMPLE 1: “It’s only a small cut.”
CONTEXT: Can be used when you got cut and your bleeding and someone asks if they’re ok.
ANALYSIS: The person is trying the lessen the urgency of helping the cut heal or the pain from the cut. They make it seem like the cut was nothing, but it really is something.
EXAMPLE 2: “It’s a little pricey.”
CONTEXT: WHen you’re buying something and something is more than you expected, but you kind of want it.
ANALYSIS: They’re trying to diminish the price from what it actually is so that it could seem a little reasonable to buy it.