Melodramatic - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Melodramatic describes exaggerated or overly emotional behavior, often used in drama or everyday situations to emphasize feelings unrealistically. It implies excessive theatricality or sentimentality.
Definition:
Exaggerated or overly emotional in a way that seems theatrical or insincere.
Synonyms:
theatrical, overemotional, histrionic, exaggerated
Part of Speech:
adjective
Antonyms:
understated, restrained
Common Collocations:
melodramatic performance, melodramatic reaction, melodramatic speech
Derivatives:
melodramatically, melodrama
Usage Tips:
Use "melodramatic" to describe exaggerated emotions or behavior that feels overly dramatic or artificial.
Common Phrases:
make a melodramatic exit, full of melodramatic flair, a melodramatic outburst
Etymology:
From Greek "melos" (song) + "drama," originally referring to dramatic musical theater with exaggerated emotions.
Examples:
- 1. Her reaction was so melodramatic that everyone rolled their eyes.
- 2. He sighed in a melodramatic way before leaving the room.
- 3. The movie’s ending felt overly melodramatic and unrealistic.
- 4. She gave a melodramatic speech about her minor inconvenience.