How to pronounce hyperbole
Say it like hy-PUR-buh-lee. Hyperbole has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PUR).
- hy
- PUR
- buh
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Tip: Four syllables, ending in 'lee': 'hy-PUR-buh-lee'. It does not rhyme with bowl.
Hyperbole pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- hyKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- PURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- buhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- leeGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of hyperbole
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: hy-PUR-buh-lee.
What does hyperbole mean?
- Deliberate overstatement, particularly extreme overstatement.
- An instance or example of such overstatement.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- overstatement
- exaggeration
- auxesis
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying hyperbole
How do you pronounce hyperbole?
Say hy-PUR-buh-lee. The American pronunciation is /haɪˈpɝbəˌli/. In British English it is /haɪˈpɜːbəli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in hyperbole?
Hyperbole has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PUR). Broken into parts: hy · PUR · buh · lee.
Is hyperbole pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /haɪˈpɜːbəli/ (hy-PUR-buh-lee).