Histrionic: meaning, definitions and examples

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histrionic

[ˌhɪstriˈɒnɪk ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

behavior

Excessively dramatic or emotional in behavior or speech; theatrical.

Synonyms

dramatic, emotional, theatrical.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
histrionic	Used to describe behavior that is overly theatrical or melodramatic, often in an exaggerated manner. It can have a negative connotation, implying insincerity or artificiality. Her histrionic reactions made it difficult to take her seriously. He gave a histrionic speech that left the audience unimpressed.
dramatic	Used to characterize situations or behaviors that are striking or intense, often involving conflict or strong emotions. It is generally neutral but can be slightly negative if implying over-exaggeration. The movie had a very dramatic conclusion. She made a dramatic entrance into the room.
theatrical	Refers to behavior or actions that are exaggerated or intended to attract attention, much like a performance in theater. While it can be neutral or positive, it often has a slight negative connotation if seen as insincere. Her theatrical gestures made everyone laugh. The protestors put on a theatrical display to gain media attention.
emotional	Describes situations or behaviors involving strong feelings or expressions of emotion. It is used in both positive and negative senses depending on the context. It was an emotional reunion after many years. He got very emotional when talking about his childhood.

Examples of usage

She couldn't stand his histrionic outbursts anymore.
His histrionic reaction to the news was quite entertaining.
The play was criticized for its histrionic acting.
The politician's histrionic speech failed to impress the audience.
The actress was known for her histrionic performances on stage.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

psychology

Of or relating to actors or acting; overly dramatic or artificial in behavior.

Synonyms

artificial, exaggerated, theatrical.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
histrionic	Used when describing behavior that is overly dramatic to the point of being insincere or exaggerated. Often implies a negative connotation. Her histrionic outburst during the meeting made everyone uncomfortable He gave a histrionic performance, which felt more like a spectacle than genuine acting
theatrical	Refers to behavior, events, or actions that are dramatic and suitable for the theater. It can have both positive and negative connotations based on the context. Her theatrical performance captivated the audience His reaction to the news was so theatrical that it felt rehearsed
exaggerated	Best used when something is overstated or made to seem more important or severe than it actually is. Can be either neutral or negative depending on context. He told an exaggerated story about his fishing trip, claiming the fish was as big as a shark The media gave an exaggerated report, causing unnecessary panic among the public
artificial	Appropriate for situations where something is fake, unnatural, or man-made. Can be used negatively when talking about emotions or actions. Her smile seemed artificial and did not reach her eyes The flowers in the vase were artificial, but they looked surprisingly realistic

Examples of usage

The patient's histrionic behavior was masking deeper emotional issues.
Her histrionic personality made it difficult for others to take her seriously.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'histrionicus' meaning 'of an actor,' emphasizing its connection to theatrical performance.
It was first used in the English language in the late 19th century, primarily relating to theater.
The 'histrio' in Latin refers to a performer or actor, showing the direct link to exaggerated behaviors seen in acting.

Psychology

In psychology, histrionic traits are often associated with Histrionic Personality Disorder, characterized by excessive emotionality.
Individuals with these traits may seek attention and may be uncomfortable when not the center of attention.
Dramatic displays can sometimes be a way to cope with underlying insecurities or emotional needs.

Pop Culture

Histrionic behavior frequently appears in reality TV, where contestants often act out for dramatic effect.
Famous film characters, such as Scarlett O'Hara from 'Gone with the Wind', exhibit histrionic traits through their passionate outbursts.
Social media platforms amplify histrionic expressions, as users often curate highly dramatic personas to engage followers.

Performing Arts

Thehis ‘his’ in histrionic emphasizes the actor's personal investment, conveying emotions that feel larger than life.
Over-the-top performances, often found in melodrama and classical theater, can be categorized as histrionic.
Modern plays sometimes critique histrionic behavior, using irony to comment on its prevalence in society.

Translations

Translations of the word "histrionic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 histriônico

🇮🇳 नाटकीय

🇩🇪 theatralisch

🇮🇩 dramatis

🇺🇦 театральний

🇵🇱 teatralny

🇯🇵 劇的な

🇫🇷 théâtral

🇪🇸 teatral

🇹🇷 teatral

🇰🇷 연극적인

🇸🇦 مسرحي

🇨🇿 herecký

🇸🇰 herecký

🇨🇳 戏剧性的

🇸🇮 igralski

🇮🇸 leikrænn

🇰🇿 театрлық

🇬🇪 სცენური

🇦🇿 teatrik

🇲🇽 teatral

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,534, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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27531 xanthine
27532 commandeered
27533 bract
27534 histrionic
27535 misdirection
27536 espied
27537 righteously
...