Which term refers to exaggerated statements not meant to be taken literally?

The correct term for exaggerated statements not meant to be taken literally is hyperbole. Hyperbole is a rhetorical device used to create emphasis or a dramatic effect by intentionally exaggerating facts or claims. For example, saying "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse" is a classic instance of hyperbole, as it emphasizes the speaker's hunger in a way that highlights the intensity of their feelings without being a factual statement.

In contrast, litotes involves understated expressions, often using double negatives, which convey affirmation through negation, such as saying "not bad" to mean something is good. Irony refers to a contrast between expectations and reality, such as a fire station burning down, where the outcome is opposite to what one would expect. Alliteration, on the other hand, is a literary device that focuses on the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words in close proximity, such as "She sells sea shells by the sea shore." Understanding these distinctions clarifies why hyperbole is the appropriate choice for exaggerated statements.