Often in our vocabulary there are words that we often use, but we do not know their meaning thoroughly. A similar case is the term “exaggerate”. The meaning of the word, its origin and scope will be discussed below, so if you are also not familiar with its full meaning, pay attention to this information.
The roots of this term
It is believed that the source of this “mysterious” term was the French phrase ou trer, which sounds like “exaggerate” in our native language. The meaning of this word completely coincides with the meaning of its French “predecessor”, namely, it symbolizes the exaggeration of any facts, events in the story. Also, this word can be used in case of an understatement of any aspect or if the person who tells the story distorts certain points. As a rule, using exaggeration, one quality or one side of the matter is emphasized, while everything else is deprived of the attention of the narrator himself. That is why such a distortion can be compared with a subjective assessment of something.
How does such subjectivity affect perception?
Now we will understand what features this very term “exaggerate” has. The meaning of the word has already shown that this can be not only an exaggeration, but also an understatement, emphasis on some particular fact, which in the narrator’s speech overshadows the entire objective picture. As a rule, such a technique is used precisely in order to distract the listener's attention from the complete situation that actually occurs. A similar practice can be applied anywhere, even in the most petty things, for example, in everyday life, in the family. Opponents often use exaggeration intentionally, but it also happens that such an unnecessary emphasis arises in a person’s speech by chance, because of his personal predilections and sympathies. However, in both cases, the overall picture of what is happening is being damaged, and this is worth considering.
Exaggeration scope
Exaggeration of a fact or emphasis on it can be done not only intentionally, but deliberately, so that it will be noticeable even to the listener. In this case, this is done in order to engage him in demagogy, to start a dispute or dialogue, which will have a bipolar character. It is in these cases that we see that both sides are already beginning to exaggerate. The meaning of the word also becomes more understandable if you pay attention to the election campaign of any of the candidates. The positive qualities and good deeds of each of them are too exaggerated in order for voters to choose a specific person for a high position. However, we all know that previously such demagoguery still somehow affected the people, and today they are no longer perceived by people.
Exaggerated Science
Now let's talk about how to understand “exaggerate” from a slightly different side, more specific, but very interesting. There is such a science as sophistry, which, with the help of the proof of a certain thesis, points to the so-called correctness of the wrong path. For example, consider this dialog:
- You have horns!
- No, it is not!
- I'll prove. All that you have not lost, you have. The horns were not lost, therefore, you have them.
This science was founded in Ancient Greece, and the philosophers who owned it were considered the best thinkers. They believed that reasoning should be the basis of any teachings, and in sophistry this phenomenon is the basis of foundations.
Little conclusion
Knowing what it means to “exaggerate” when this technique can be applied and how to use it, it becomes easier for a person to build a conversation and even create “logical traps” for his interlocutors. This is an extremely useful skill that you can possess by nature, or you can learn in public speaking courses.