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melodramatic

adjective

/ˌmɛl ə drəˈmæt ɪk/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of melodramatic

Excessively emotional, exaggerated, or theatrical in nature.
"The teenager's melodramatic sobbing over a minor disagreement was excessive."

Detailed meaning of melodramatic

It refers to situations, behaviors, or expressions that are characterized by heightened or exaggerated emotions, often for dramatic effect. When applied to a person, "melodramatic" suggests a tendency to express or react to events in an overly dramatic or exaggerated manner. It can involve theatrical gestures, excessive sentimentality, or an inclination towards creating or embellishing dramatic situations. "Melodramatic" often conveys a sense of artificiality or exaggeration, emphasizing emotional intensity rather than a realistic portrayal. In literature, film, or theater, melodrama typically employs sensational or emotionally charged storylines, with larger-than-life characters and conflicts. Overall, "melodramatic" refers to an exaggerated or theatrical style of emotion, often seeking to evoke strong reactions or captivate attention through heightened emotional displays.

Example sentences containing melodramatic

1. She had a melodramatic reaction to the smallest inconvenience, often exaggerating the situation.
2. The actor's performance in the play was criticized for being overly melodramatic.
3. The teenager's melodramatic outburst over a broken phone left everyone in the room rolling their eyes.
4. The novel had a melodramatic plot filled with exaggerated emotions and dramatic twists.
5. Her melodramatic sighs and gestures made it clear that she sought attention.
6. The movie relied on melodramatic music and intense close-ups to evoke emotions from the audience.

History and etymology of melodramatic

The adjective 'melodramatic' has its roots in the combination of two words: 'melodrama' and the suffix '-tic.' 'Melodrama' originated in the late 18th century and is a blend of 'melody' and 'drama.' 'Melody' comes from the Greek 'melōidia,' meaning 'singing' or 'musical composition,' while 'drama' has Greek origins as well, denoting a play or theatrical work. Thus, 'melodrama' originally referred to a form of theater characterized by emotional and often exaggerated performances accompanied by music. Over time, this term extended to describe situations, actions, or individuals that exhibited excessive emotion, exaggeration, or theatricality, leading to the creation of the adjective 'melodramatic.' Its etymology highlights its theatrical and emotional origins, emphasizing the dramatic and often exaggerated nature of the adjective's connotations.

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Further usage examples of melodramatic

1. The melodramatic soap opera was known for its exaggerated storylines and dramatic cliffhangers.
2. The actress delivered a melodramatic monologue, captivating the audience with her emotional performance.
3. His melodramatic plea for forgiveness came across as insincere and manipulative.
4. The melodramatic weather forecast predicted an apocalyptic storm that never materialized.
5. The melodramatic romance novel was filled with passionate declarations and tragic love affairs.
6. She had a melodramatic flair for storytelling, often adding unnecessary drama to her anecdotes.
7. She always had a melodramatic reaction to even the smallest problems.
8. The soap opera is known for its melodramatic plot twists and emotional outbursts.
9. He delivered his lines in a melodramatic fashion, drawing laughs from the audience.
10. The movie was criticized for its melodramatic portrayal of the characters' emotions.
11. She had a habit of making melodramatic gestures to emphasize her point.
12. His melodramatic speech at the award ceremony drew mixed reactions from the crowd.
13. The play's final scene was melodramatic, with characters weeping and shouting.
14. The book's melodramatic climax left readers on the edge of their seats.
15. The actor's melodramatic performance earned him rave reviews from the critics.
16. She couldn't help but roll her eyes at her friend's melodramatic retelling of a mundane event.
17. The melodramatic music playing in the background heightened the emotional impact of the scene.