Over-Exaggerated

Question

Hi everybody,What does over exaggerated mean in this sentence?"The signalman's hands should be kept well separated, and signals should be over-exaggerated rather than risk making indistinct signals."Thanks in advance .

Virginia274 · Accepted Answer

Also here are two pictures related to signalman.

Ozzourti · Answer

One of the meanings of "exaggerate" is "to make greater, more noticeable, etc., than usual" (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/exaggerate).

I think that "over-exaggerate" borders on redundancy; however, I take it to mean "exaggerate to the point of absurdity".

So, basically, the signalman needs to make sure that his signals are easily noticeable and understood even if he himself ends up looking comical.

Blue Jay · Answer

It is emphasizing the importance of making clear and distinct signals. For instance, if a signal involves moving the hand from side to side, it should perhaps be moved 75 cm each way rather than 30 cm, so it is very easy to see and recognize the signal. The signalman should go to great lengths, more than might seem necessary, to ensure that each signal is clear, easily seen, and understood. It is better to do this than to risk a signal being missed or misunderstood.

Virginia274 · Answer

Thanks a million both Blue Jay and ozzourti for your helpful informative replies. <img class='emoticon' style='Width:19px;Height:19px;' data-delaysrc='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/1.gif' src='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/1.gif' alt='Emotion: smile'/>

Frauvat · Answer

Hi dear friend
It means to exagerate the movements more than you would normally so they are clearely recognizable.

over in this context means above. So Exagerate beyond normal.
fraulein

Over-Exaggerated

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