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.
日本語:ドラマ、劇※
“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
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
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.”
Synonyms
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.
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
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Related words
Idioms
01. drama king
02. drama queen
- 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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QR code
englishreference.com/q/drama
‘외래어’ data: 한국어기초사전 (국립국어원), CC BY-SA 2.0 KR
※ 機械で選んだ訳語です。ネイティブスピーカーによる確認はまだです。
「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0