Dictionary
melodramatic
adjective melo·dra·mat·ic \ˌme-lə-drə-ˈma-tik\
: emotional in a way that is very extreme or exaggerated : extremely dramatic or emotional
Full Definition of MELODRAMATIC
1
: of, relating to, or characteristic of melodrama
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First Known Use of MELODRAMATIC
1808
Related to MELODRAMATIC
- Synonyms
- dramatic, hammy, histrionic, theatrical, stagy (or stagey)
- Antonyms
- undramatic
Synonym Discussion of MELODRAMATIC
dramatic, theatrical, histrionic, melodramatic mean having a character or an effect like that of acted plays. dramatic applies to situations in life and literature that stir the imagination and emotions deeply <a dramatic meeting of world leaders>. theatrical implies a crude appeal through artificiality or exaggeration in gesture or vocal expression <a theatrical oration>. histrionic applies to tones, gestures, and motions and suggests a deliberate affectation or staginess <a histrionic show of grief>. melodramatic suggests an exaggerated emotionalism or an inappropriate theatricalism <made a melodramatic plea>.
Other Performing Arts Terms
Rhymes with MELODRAMATIC
MELODRAMATICALLY Defined for Kids
melodramatic
adjective melo·dra·mat·ic \ˌme-lə-drə-ˈma-tik\
Definition of MELODRAMATIC for Kids
: extremely or overly emotional <a melodramatic scream>
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