melodramatic

melodramatic
Dramatic Dra*mat"ic (dr[.a]*m[a^]t"[i^]k), Dramatical Dra*mat"ic*al (dr[.a]*m[a^]t"[i^]*kal), a. [Gr. dramatiko`s, fr. dra^ma: cf. F. dramatique.] Of or pertaining to the drama; as, dramatic arts. [WordNet sense 3] [1913 Webster]

2. suitable to or characteristic of or having the qualities of, a drama; theatrical; as, a dramatic entrance in a swirling cape; a dramatic rescue at sea. Opposite of {undramatic}. [WordNet sense 1] [Narrower terms: {melodramatic}; {awe-inspiring, spectacular}] [WordNet 1.5]

The emperor . . . performed his part with much dramatic effect. --Motley. [1913 Webster]

3. striking in appearance or effect; vivid; having a thrilling effect; as, a dramatic sunset; a dramatic pause. [WordNet sense 2]

Syn: spectacular, striking. [WordNet 1.5]

4. (Music) marked by power and expressiveness and a histrionic or theatrical style; -- of a singer or singing voice; as, a dramatic tenor; a dramatic soprano. Contrasted to {lyric}. [WordNet sense 4] [WordNet 1.5]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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  • melodramatic — MELODRAMÁTIC, Ă, melodramatici, ce, adj. 1. Care se referă la melodramă, privitor la melodramă, de melodramă. 2. (depr.) Cu caracter patetic exagerat, fals. – Din fr. mélodramatique, it. melodrammatico. Trimis de LauraGellner, 27.05.2004. Sursa:… …   Dicționar Român

  • Melodramatic — Mel o*dra*mat ic, a. [Cf. F. m[ e]lodramatique.] Of or pertaining to melodrama; like or suitable to a melodrama; unnatural in situation or action. {Mel o*dra*mat ic*al*ly}, adv. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • melodramatic — index histrionic Burton s Legal Thesaurus. William C. Burton. 2006 …   Law dictionary

  • melodramatic — (adj.) 1776; from foreign source of MELODRAMA (Cf. melodrama) on model of dramatic. Related: Melodramatically …   Etymology dictionary

  • melodramatic — histrionic, theatrical, dramaturgic, *dramatic Analogous words: *showy, pretentious, ostentatious: *sentimental, romantic, maudlin, mawkish …   New Dictionary of Synonyms

  • melodramatic — [adj] extravagant in speech, behavior artificial, blood and thunder*, cliffhanging*, cloak and dagger*, exaggerated, ham*, hammy*, histrionic, hokey*, overdramatic, overemotional, sensational, spectacular, stagy, theatrical; concept 542 Ant. calm …   New thesaurus

  • melodramatic — ► ADJECTIVE ▪ like a melodrama; overdramatic or sensationalized. DERIVATIVES melodramatically adverb …   English terms dictionary

  • melodramatic — [mel΄ō drə mat′ik, mel΄ədrə mat′ik] adj. of, characteristic of, or like melodrama; sensational, violent, and extravagantly emotional melodramatically adv …   English World dictionary

  • melodramatic — [[t]me̱lədrəmæ̱tɪk[/t]] ADJ GRADED Melodramatic behaviour is behaviour in which someone treats a situation as much more serious than it really is. Don t you think you re being rather melodramatic? Jane asked... She d flung herself in a pose of… …   English dictionary

  • melodramatic — mel|o|dra|mat|ic [ˌmelədrəˈmætık] adj if you behave in a melodramatic way, you become more angry or upset than is really necessary ▪ Stop being so melodramatic! >melodramatically [ kli] adv …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • melodramatic — adjective 1. having the excitement and emotional appeal of melodrama (Freq. 1) a melodramatic account of two perilous days at sea • Similar to: ↑dramatic 2. characteristic of acting or a stage performance; often affected histrionic gestures an… …   Useful english dictionary

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