Hyperbole

Hyperbole, derived from a Greek word meaning “over-casting” is a figure of speech, which involves an exaggeration of ideas for the sake of emphasis.

It is a device that we employ in our day-to-day speech. For instance, when you meet a friend after a long time, you say, “Ages have passed since I last saw you”. You may not have met him for three or four hours or a day, but the use of the word “ages” exaggerates this statement to add emphasis to your wait.  Therefore, a hyperbole is an unreal exaggeration to emphasize the real situation. Some other common Hyperbole examples are given below.

Common Examples of Hyperbole :

         Ø  My grandmother is as old as the hills.

         Ø  Your suitcase weighs a ton!

         Ø  She is as heavy as an elephant!

         Ø  I am dying of shame.

         Ø  I am trying to solve a million issues these days.

It is important not to confuse hyperbole with simile and metaphor. It does make a comparison but unlike simile and metaphor, hyperbole has a humorous effect created by an overstatement.

http://literarydevices.net/hyperbole/

 SYNONYM, ANTONYM, AND HYPONYM

Synonyms

Synonyms are directly related words that have comparable meanings and linguistics argue that no synonym can have an exact meaning to another. For example, the word “tired” is comparable to worn-out, sleepy, drowsy, or weary. It is arguable that each of those synonyms can contain slightly different meanings. Synonyms are not just limited to adjectives; they can also be used for nouns, verbs, prepositions, or adverbs. Most important these are used in writing to stimulate readers and spice up content.  

Antonyms

Antonyms are words with almost opposite meanings to each other. For example, the word “fun” has antonyms similarly opposite to it such as boring, dull, uninspiring or dreary. Like synonyms it is debatable that there can be one true opposite meaning. Antonyms can be applied to nouns, verbs, prepositions, and adverbs. Antonyms can be used to contrast two separate things, actions, feelings, and or placements.

Homonyms

Homonyms are two words that have the same spelling and the same pronunciation, but also hold two different meanings. These can sometimes cause confusion with ESL learners.  For example, the word “right” can relate to the directional right or it can also mean correct. If you are teaching directions to your ESL learners and the answer to a particular direction is “Left” then don’t confirm that by saying “Right!” I made this mistake once only to confuse the students.