I've looked up a few definitions (Oxford, M-W, dictionary.com), but none make it explicit.

E.g., (one I made up)

"When professional tennis players were asked to rate the fitness of professional and amateur tennis players, most correctly guessed that professionals were fitter than amateurs. The did, however, tend to exaggerate this difference."

Does the use of the word "exaggerate" in the second sentence definitely imply that pro tennis players have intentionally misrepresented the difference? More specifically, does it imply that they have an idea of what a more accurate difference would be, and are making an overstatement based on this?

I'm considering this in terms of clarity. For example, "overestimation" definitely doesn't imply intent to misrepresent.

I've looked up a few definitions (Oxford, M-W, dictionary.com), but none make it explicit.

E.g., (one I made up)

"When professional tennis players were asked to rate the fitness of professional and amateur tennis players, most correctly guessed that professionals were fitter than amateurs. The did, however, tend to exaggerate this difference."

Does the use of the word "exaggerate" in the second sentence imply any of the following:

1. That pro tennis players have intentionally misrepresented the difference?
2. That pro tennis players were aware that they made an overstatement?
3. That pro tennis players were somehow motivated to make an overstatement?

I'm considering this in terms of clarity. For example, I think using "overestimation" instead, implying that they've made a guess as opposed to a statement, would more obviously avoid a lot of the above.

I've looked up a few definitions (Oxford, M-W, dictionary.com), but none make it explicit.

E.g.,

"When professional tennis players were asked to rate the fitness of professional and amateur tennis players, most correctly guessed that professionals were fitter than amateurs. The did, however, tend to exaggerate this difference."

Does the use of the word "exaggerate" in the second sentence definitely imply that pro tennis players have intentionally misrepresented the difference?

I'm considering this in terms of clarity. For example, "overestimation" definitely doesn't imply intent to misrepresent.

I've looked up a few definitions (Oxford, M-W, dictionary.com), but none make it explicit.

E.g., (one I made up)

"When professional tennis players were asked to rate the fitness of professional and amateur tennis players, most correctly guessed that professionals were fitter than amateurs. The did, however, tend to exaggerate this difference."

Does the use of the word "exaggerate" in the second sentence definitely imply that pro tennis players have intentionally misrepresented the difference? More specifically, does it imply that they have an idea of what a more accurate difference would be, and are making an overstatement based on this?

I'm considering this in terms of clarity. For example, "overestimation" definitely doesn't imply intent to misrepresent.