theatrical
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.relating to the theatre, actors, or stage performances.
adj.pertaining to the theatre or to dramatic presentations.
Simple“The company is famous for its amazing theatrical costumes and stage designs.”
In context“The director's theatrical vision transformed the minimalist script into a grand spectacle that captivated the audience for three hours.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.behaving in a way that is too dramatic or intended to attract attention.
adj.marked by exaggerated self-display or artificiality; histrionic in manner.
Simple“He made a theatrical sigh and threw his hands up in the air.”
In context“Her theatrical reaction to the minor criticism seemed designed to derail the meeting and draw sympathy from her colleagues.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
n.a play or show, especially one performed by people who are not professionals.
n.a dramatic performance, typically one produced by amateur actors or students.
Simple“The local village theatricals are always the highlight of the summer festival.”
In context“The university's annual theatricals provided a platform for aspiring playwrights to showcase their experimental works to a live audience.”
Synonyms - 04 C2 Proficiency
n.a film that is made to be shown in a cinema rather than just on TV.
n.a motion picture produced specifically for exhibition in commercial cinemas.
Simple“The studio decided to give the documentary a full theatrical release before it went to streaming.”
In context“Industry analysts noted that while the theatrical performed well in urban centres, its rural distribution was significantly hampered by limited screen availability.”
UsageOften used in the plural or as a modifier in industry contexts.
Synonymsfeature filmmovie
“She came to realise that “music and physical expression might offer a more truthful theatrical language for his work”, particularly for a play that was intended to be performed to a non-Japanese-speaking audience.”
“Nolan saw a theatrical production of The Odyssey when he was 5 .”
From Latin theātricus + -al. By surface analysis, theatre + -ical.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.