Nelson-Denny Practice Test

Which word means to overstate or overemphasize?

1. Exaggerate

2. Affronted

3. Affected

4. Cohort

The correct answer is: Exaggerate

The term that means to overstate or overemphasize is "exaggerate." This word specifically conveys the act of making something seem larger, more important, or more significant than it actually is. It often applies to situations where someone inflates details or emotions for effect, which can lead to a distortion of reality. The other options do not have the same meaning. "Affronted" refers to feeling offended or insulted, which is unrelated to the concept of overstating. "Affected" can describe something that is influenced or impacted, often in a non-authentic manner, but it does not imply exaggeration. "Cohort" denotes a group of people banded together or treated as a group, which is again unrelated to the idea of overemphasizing. Thus, "exaggerate" is the term that accurately fits the definition of overstating or overemphasizing something.