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American Dictionary of the English Language

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Exaggerate


EXAG'GERATE, verb transitive [Latin exaggero; ex and aggero, to heap, from agger, a heap.]

1. To heap on; to accumulate. In this literal sense, it is seldom used; perhaps never.

2. To highthen; to enlarge beyond the truth; to amplify; to represent as greater than strict truth will warrant. A friend exaggerates a man's virtues; a enemy exaggerates his vices or faults.

3. In painting, to highthen in coloring or design.