Which term refers to an exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally?

Hyperbole is a figure of speech that involves an exaggerated statement or claim that is not meant to be taken literally. It is often used for emphasis or comic effect and serves to highlight the intensity or importance of a particular point. For example, if someone says, "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse," they do not mean it literally; rather, they're emphasizing their extreme hunger.

In contrast, a metaphor directly compares two unrelated things without using 'like' or 'as,' which helps to illustrate a concept or idea. Rhetoric refers to the art of persuasion in speaking or writing, encompassing various techniques, while a simile specifically uses 'like' or 'as' to compare two different things. These terms serve different functions in language, but hyperbole uniquely embodies that sense of exaggeration that’s key to its definition.