overstatementn.
/ˌəʊvəˈsteɪtm(ə)nt/, /ˈəʊvəˌsteɪtm(ə)nt/, U.S. /ˈˌoʊvərˈˌsteɪtm(ə)nt/ An exaggeration; a statement which exceeds the limits of fact. Also as a mass noun: the action or practice of exaggerating.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > exaggeration, hyperbole > [noun] > overstatement
hyperbole1529
hyperboly1597
overspeakinga1610
overstatement1800
oversaying1916
1800 Albion & Evening Advertiser 16 Dec. When the libel was read, the Jury would perceive they had not heard an over statement, and would be convinced of the propriety of awarding very large damages.
1803 W. Taylor in Ann. Rev. 1 397/2 It does not appear that his account was an overstatement at the time.
1874 W. E. Gladstone in Contemp. Rev. Oct. 673 In commenting on over-statement I do not seek to understate.
1915 A. Conan Doyle Valley of Fear i. ii. 19 It would be an over-statement to say that he was shocked or even excited by the amazing announcement.
1942 National Geographic Mag. June 715/1 I was not totally surprised when the first one began to rattle the hotel walls; yet it would be something of an overstatement to claim aplomb.
1995 Ital. Food & Wine Spring 8/1 Romans will eat anything, and that is no overstatement.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2004; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.1800- unadvisement
- unadvising
- unaerated
- unaesthetic
- unafeard
- unafeared
- unaffable
- unaffected
- unaffectedly
- unaffectedness
- unaffectednesses
- unaffectible
- unaffecting
- unaffectionate
- unaffectionately
- unaffectioned
- unaffective
- unaffianced
- unaffied
- unaffiled
- unaffiliated
- unaffirmed
- unaffixed
- unafflicted
- unafflicting