Which literary device involves an exaggeration used for emphasis or effect?

The literary device that involves an exaggeration used for emphasis or effect is hyperbole. Hyperbole is characterized by statements that are not meant to be taken literally but are intended to create a strong impression or evoke strong feelings. This device often serves to highlight the intensity of a situation or the extremity of an emotion, allowing the audience to grasp the significance of what is being described.

For example, saying "I’m so hungry I could eat a horse" uses hyperbole to emphasize just how hungry someone feels, rather than suggesting a literal intention to consume an entire horse. This form of exaggeration amplifies the expression of hunger and makes it more memorable.

In contrast, similes and metaphors are forms of comparison that draw parallels between different things, while alliteration refers to the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words in a sequence. These literary devices have distinct functions and do not center on exaggerated statements in the same way that hyperbole does.