overstate
UK: /ˌəʊvəˈsteɪt/ | US: /ˌoʊvərˈsteɪt/
vt. to exaggerate or describe something as greater than it actually is
vt. to express something in excessively strong terms
The word "overstate" combines "over," from Old English ofer (meaning "above, beyond, excessively"), and "state," from Latin stare (to stand) via Old French estat (condition, declaration). The fusion reflects the idea of "declaring beyond the truth" or "standing too firmly on an exaggerated claim." This logical pairing emerged in the 17th century to critique hyperbolic speech.
Politicians often overstate their achievements to gain public support.
The advertisement overstated the product's benefits, misleading customers.
She tends to overstate minor problems, making them seem like crises.
Historians caution against overstating the impact of a single event.
The report was criticized for overstating the economic risks.