Hyperbole vs Idiom
In daily conversations, both hyperbole and idioms are often used as figures of speech. However, there is a clear difference between the two. Hyperbole is a figure of speech used to exaggerate or emphasize a particular thing, whereas an idiom is a group of words that have both a literal and a figurative meaning. While non-native speakers can usually understand hyperbole, they may be confused by idioms due to the figurative meaning.
Key Takeaways
- Hyperbole is used for exaggeration and emphasis, while idioms have both a literal and a figurative meaning.
- Hyperbole has an explicit meaning, while idioms have implicit meanings.
- Non-native speakers can typically comprehend hyperbole, but may have difficulty understanding the figurative meaning of idioms.
What is Hyperbole?
Hyperbole is a figure of speech often used to exaggerate or emphasize a particular thing. It is frequently used in both literary texts and daily conversations. By using hyperbole, a writer or speaker can emphasize a specific fact and add humor. For example, “I haven’t seen Tom in ages” does not mean the speaker has not seen Tom for ages, but emphasizes the fact that it has been a long time since they last saw Tom.
What is an Idiom?
An idiom is a group of words that have both a literal meaning and a figurative meaning. While idioms convey two different meanings, they are generally understood in their figurative sense. For example, if someone says “It was raining cats and dogs,” they are referring to heavy rain, not actual cats and dogs falling from the sky. Native speakers can easily comprehend the meaning behind idiomatic phrases, but non-native speakers may be confused by the literal meaning.
What is the Difference Between Hyperbole and Idiom?
Definitions of Hyperbole and Idiom:
- Hyperbole: A figure of speech used to exaggerate or emphasize a particular thing.
- Idiom: A group of words that have a literal meaning as well as a figurative meaning.
Characteristics of Hyperbole and Idiom:
- Meaning: Hyperbole has an explicit meaning, while idioms have implicit meanings.
- Exaggeration: Hyperbole is used for exaggeration, while idioms are not specifically used for exaggeration.
- Native and Non-native speaker: Non-native speakers can comprehend hyperbole, but may have difficulty understanding the figurative meaning of idioms.
