Word
melodramatic
Phoneticsmelo·dra·mat·ic
US/ˌmɛɫədɹəˈmætɪk/
UK/mˌɛlədɹɐmˈætɪk/
Definition
adj. describing a situation or a person's behavior that is very emotional and exaggerated. It often feels fake or over-the-top, like a soap opera.
adj. characterised by exaggerated emotional expression or dramatic intensity. Often used to describe performances or situations that are perceived as artificial or overly sentimental.
Examples
“His reaction to the small problem was very melodramatic.”
“The film's melodramatic plot features a hero who must save his family from a burning mansion.”
“While some critics praised the film's melodramatic style as a necessary emotional tool, others found the exaggerated dialogue to be a significant barrier to the story's realism.”
Examples
simple
“His reaction to the small problem was very melodramatic.”
contextual
“The film's melodramatic plot features a hero who must save his family from a burning mansion.”
complex
“While some critics praised the film's melodramatic style as a necessary emotional tool, others found the exaggerated dialogue to be a significant barrier to the story's realism.”
Real-World Examples
“Its second season was cut short by a writers’ strike, but was also hampered by melodramatic plotlines.” “Mandy by Barry Manilow is soppy, melodramatic, silly, and I absolutely love it.” Etymology
From melodrama + -tic. Modelled after dramatic.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/melodramatic