Researchers usually expect people to exaggerate the amount of reading they do, since reading is considered a prestigious activity.

Such statements, they say, may lead people to exaggerate their chances of getting and dying from a fearsome disease.

Given that frightened people exaggerate, nonetheless something must be happening.

Mr. Robinson and others say that people exaggerate their hours when asked to recall them from memory.

Old people often exaggerate how cold they feel.

In addition, he said, some people exaggerate their age out of pride, or a wish for prestige.

"I used to think people were exaggerating the humanity of Fuzzies."

You just about have to believe those people were exaggerating.

"We can't help it if these people exaggerate their turnout," he said.

"I think people exaggerate the sadness and badness of his life," he said.