The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

histrionic

IPA:

Dictionary definition of histrionic

Excessively dramatic or theatrical in one's behavior, often with the intention of drawing attention to oneself.
"She has a knack for turning even mundane events into histrionic spectacles."

Detailed meaning of histrionic

This term can be applied to both positive and negative traits, depending on the context. For example, a talented actor might be described as having a histrionic style on stage, meaning they have a flair for drama and an ability to captivate an audience. However, someone who is prone to exaggeration and overreaction in everyday situations might also be described as histrionic, suggesting that they are being insincere or manipulative in their behavior. Overall, the term 'histrionic' is used to describe a tendency towards melodramatic behavior, often with an exaggerated or theatrical flair.

Example sentences containing histrionic

1. She always captivates the room with her histrionic gestures and dramatic storytelling.
2. The actor's histrionic performance moved the audience to tears.
3. He tends to exaggerate every situation with histrionic flair.
4. The histrionic display of emotions made it difficult to determine what was genuine.
5. His histrionic outburst startled everyone in the room.
6. The politician's histrionic speech aimed to evoke strong emotions from the crowd.

History and etymology of histrionic

The adjective 'histrionic' has an etymology rooted in the world of theater and drama. It is derived from the Latin word 'histrionicus,' which is related to 'histrio,' meaning 'actor' or 'player.' In ancient Rome, 'histrio' referred to actors who performed on stage, often with exaggerated and dramatic gestures to captivate their audience. Over time, 'histrionic' evolved to describe behavior that is excessively dramatic, theatrical, and attention-seeking, reminiscent of the exaggerated actions of actors. The term captures the idea of someone who behaves as if they were constantly on stage, performing for an audience, and often overplaying their emotions or reactions. The etymology of 'histrionic' emphasizes its connection to the world of theater and performance, highlighting the theatricality and exaggeration inherent in this adjective's meaning.

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Further usage examples of histrionic

1. Despite his histrionic personality, he managed to win over the audience with his charm.
2. The histrionic portrayal of the character brought depth and intensity to the play.
3. Her histrionic reactions often overshadowed the real issue at hand.
4. The histrionic weather forecast caused unnecessary panic among the public.
5. The histrionic fashion designer always pushed boundaries with his extravagant creations.
6. His histrionic behavior drew attention wherever he went.
7. The histrionic nature of the argument made it difficult to find a resolution.
8. She expressed her disappointment with histrionic wails and exaggerated gestures.
9. The actor's histrionic style added a layer of theatricality to the production.
10. His histrionic laughter echoed through the empty hallways.
11. The histrionic nature of her storytelling made it hard to distinguish fact from fiction.
12. The histrionic response to the minor setback surprised everyone.
13. Despite his histrionic tendencies, he had a genuine passion for the arts.
14. The histrionic movie relied heavily on exaggerated emotions and dramatic plot twists.