Melodrama: meaning, definitions and examples

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melodrama

[ˈmɛl.əˌdrɑː.mə ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

film

A melodrama is a type of drama that is characterized by extravagant characters, plot twists, and heightened emotions. It often involves conflicts between good and evil, and typically has a happy ending.

Synonyms

drama, soap opera, tearjerker.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
melodrama	It is best to refer to a style of dramatic performance characterized by exaggerated emotions, thrilling events, and stereotypical characters. The movie was a melodrama with heroes, villains, and dramatic rescues
drama	It applies broadly to any serious story that focuses on character development and emotional themes. It can refer to both film and theater. The drama explored complex human relationships and moral dilemmas
soap opera	This term is often used for long-running television series that focus on sentimental, sensationalized, and episodic storytelling, primarily aimed at domestic viewers. She never misses her favorite soap opera which airs every weekday afternoon
tearjerker	It describes a theatrical or cinematic work designed to evoke a strong emotional response, typically sadness, and is often seen as somewhat manipulative. The film was a real tearjerker; everyone in the theater was crying by the end

Examples of usage

The movie was a classic melodrama, with the heroine in distress and the villain plotting against her.
The melodrama featured over-the-top acting and dramatic music to enhance the emotional impact.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

literature

In literature, a melodrama refers to a work that is sensational and often appeals to the emotions of the audience rather than focusing on complex character development or deep themes.

Synonyms

emotional story, sensational tale, sentimental drama.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
melodrama	Used to describe a dramatic work that exaggerates characters and events to appeal to emotions, often in an unrealistic way. Typically found in literature, theater, and film. The movie was a classic melodrama, with exaggerated characters and a predictable plot. She found herself uninterested in the melodrama of his romantic woes.
sentimental drama	This term is used for works that specifically aim to evoke sentimental feelings, often by focusing on themes of love, family, or sacrifice. It is commonly used in literature and film. The film was a sentimental drama that had everyone in tears by the end. She loved watching sentimental dramas because they often explored deep emotional connections.
emotional story	Refers to any narrative that primarily focuses on generating an emotional response from the reader or viewer. Can be used broadly across genres. That book was a deeply emotional story about love and loss. He always enjoyed reading emotional stories because they felt so real and impactful.
sensational tale	This phrase is used to describe a story that is designed to provoke a strong reaction through exaggerated or shocking elements. It typically has a negative connotation of being over-the-top or lacking substance. The tabloid was full of sensational tales about celebrities' private lives. He described the accident with such dramatic flair that it felt like a sensational tale.

Examples of usage

The novel was criticized for being a melodrama, with its predictable plot and one-dimensional characters.
The playwright was known for his ability to write compelling melodramas that captivated audiences.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Greek 'melos' (meaning song) and 'drama', combining music and action into a narrative.
It was first used in the 19th century to describe theatrical plays that heavily relied on exaggerated emotions and situations.

Historical Origins

Melodrama started gaining popularity in the 18th and 19th centuries in Europe, especially in France and England.
The genre became well-known for its compelling characters, often showing the struggle between good and evil.

Film and Television

Many classic films, especially from Hollywood's Golden Age, are considered melodramas for their emotional storytelling.
Popular TV shows today often use melodramatic elements to enhance viewer engagement and evoke strong responses.

Literature

Melodramatic elements can be found in various literary works, especially in Victorian novels where emotional states were explored in depth.
Authors like Charles Dickens and many poets have employed melodrama to emphasize moral lessons and human struggles.

Psychology

Melodrama taps into human emotions, often exploring intense themes like love, loss, and sacrifice, which resonate deeply with audiences.
Studies suggest that melodramatic narratives can heighten emotional responses, potentially aiding in empathy and understanding.

Translations

Translations of the word "melodrama" in other languages:

🇵🇹 melodrama

🇮🇳 मेलोड्रामा

🇩🇪 Melodram

🇮🇩 melodrama

🇺🇦 мелодрама

🇵🇱 melodramat

🇯🇵 メロドラマ

🇫🇷 mélodrame

🇪🇸 melodrama

🇹🇷 melodram

🇰🇷 멜로드라마

🇸🇦 ميلودراما

🇨🇿 melodrama

🇸🇰 melodráma

🇨🇳 情节剧

🇸🇮 melodrama

🇮🇸 melódrama

🇰🇿 мелодрама

🇬🇪 მელოდრამა

🇦🇿 melodrama

🇲🇽 melodrama

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,468, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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17465 spasms
17466 boosted
17467 cadence
17468 melodrama
17469 administratively
17470 pennies
17471 facile
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