English Reference

Word

drama

Phoneticsdra·ma, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈdɹɑmə/

UK/dɹˈɑːmɐ/

Definitions

01theatre and plays

A2 · Elementary Uncountable noun Theater

n. plays in general, or the study of acting and theatre.

n. theatrical plays as a genre of literature or performance art; often used to refer to the academic study of theatre.

“She decided to study drama at university because she loves performing on stage.”

“The university's drama department is renowned for its experimental approach to classical Greek tragedies and modern physical theatre.”

Synonyms

theatrestagecraft

02a serious story

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

n. a play, movie, or television show that is serious rather than funny.

n. a specific work of fiction for stage, film, or television characterized by a serious tone and emotional depth.

“The new police drama on Channel 4 has become very popular this month.”

“Critics praised the historical drama for its meticulous attention to period detail and its nuanced portrayal of political betrayal.”

Synonyms

playproductionteleplay

Antonyms

03an exciting event

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. an exciting or emotional event in real life.

n. a series of real-world events involving intense emotion, conflict, or unexpected results.

“There was a lot of drama at the airport when the flights were cancelled.”

“The courtroom drama reached its peak when a surprise witness came forward with evidence that cleared the defendant's name.”

Antonyms

04social conflict

B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun Informal · Slang

n. unnecessary excitement, arguments, or problems between people.

n. interpersonal conflict, gossip, or exaggerated emotional reactions, particularly within a social group or online community.

“I try to stay away from office drama and just focus on my work.”

“The group chat was filled with drama after the weekend's misunderstanding, leading several members to leave the conversation entirely.”

Teaching tip

In modern informal English, 'drama' often carries a negative connotation of being 'extra' or unnecessary.

Antonyms

Etymology

From Late Latin drāma, from Ancient Greek δρᾶμα (drâma, “an act, a theatrical act, a play”), from δράω (dráō, “to act, to take action, to achieve”). Doublet of dorama.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

ADJECTIVE

Related words

Idioms

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
Frequency
Common
Level
A2 · ElementaryOxford
Updated

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English Reference