Words / C2

histr-ee-ON-ik/ˌhɪstriˈɒnɪk/

Histrionic means too theatrical or emotional, as if performing (disapproving): histrionic gestures, histrionic outrage. Dramatic is everyday and can be praise; melodramatic is a close twin. History is a lookalike. Histrionics (often plural noun) are the theatrics. Do not dismiss a numbered safety objection as histrionic.

Meaning

Too theatrical or emotional, as if acting (disapproving).

Examples

• “A histrionic walkout does not replace a numbered objection.”
• “Dramatic can be art. Melodramatic is overplayed emotion. Historic is important in history. An actor’s histrionic craft can be a skill on stage. In a boardroom, the n still has to be in the minute.”

Good to know

Over-theatrical; melodramatic. Everyday: melodramatic. Noun: histrionics. Mix-up: historic / history. A dated safety point is not acting.

Near in meaning

melodramatic

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