What is the literary term for an exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally?

The literary term that refers to an exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally is hyperbole. This term is used to create a strong impression or emphasize a point, often employing extreme exaggeration to evoke humor or strong feelings. For example, saying "I've told you a million times" is an instance of hyperbole, as no one could actually repeat something that many times—it serves to highlight frustration or urgency rather than convey a literal truth.

In contrast, personification attributes human characteristics to non-human entities, which does not involve exaggeration in the same way. A metaphor is a direct comparison between two unlike things, establishing a relationship without using "like" or "as," but again does not focus on exaggeration. While exaggeration is a broader term that encompasses hyperbole, it does not specifically define the technique of using extreme overstatement for emphasis, which is the essence of hyperbole.