histrionic
gb/hˌɪstɹiˈɑnɪk/ us/hˌɪstɹiˈɑnɪk/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
adjective
formal
C1
property
1
Overly dramatic and attention-seeking
Too dramatic, as if trying to get attention.
Usage pattern:
histrionic [behavior/reaction/outburst]
Common mistake:
Often confused with "historical" because of similar spelling; "histrionic" is about dramatic behavior, not history.
Synonyms
theatrical (Often implies exaggerated, showy emotion, similar to acting.)
|
melodramatic (Stresses exaggerated emotion and drama, especially in reactions or storytelling.)
|
overdramatic (More informal; emphasizes being too dramatic for the situation.)
Antonyms
calm (Not easily excited or emotionally extreme.)
|
restrained (Controlled and not showy in emotion or behavior.)
Collocations
histrionic behavior
|histrionic reaction
|histrionic outburst
|histrionic manner
|histrionic tone
|histrionic display
|histrionic performance
|histrionic gestures
|histrionic language
|histrionic emotions
Themes
emotions
|communication
|relationships
|behavior
Examples
- Her histrionic reaction to a minor delay made everyone uncomfortable.
- The meeting derailed after his histrionic outburst about a small budget cut.
- Reviewers criticized the speaker’s histrionic tone as more show than substance.
Learner examples
- He was histrionic when he didn’t get what he wanted.
- She gave a histrionic sigh and walked away.
adjective
formal
C2
property
2
Related to acting or the theatre
Connected to acting or the theatre.
Usage pattern:
histrionic [art/tradition/style]
Common mistake:
In everyday English, this sense is much less common than the meaning "too dramatic."
Synonyms
theatrical (More common; can mean either related to theatre or overly dramatic.)
|
dramatic (Broader; can mean connected to drama/theatre without implying excess.)
Antonyms
non-theatrical (Not connected with theatre or acting.)
Collocations
histrionic art
|histrionic tradition
|histrionic style
|histrionic craft
|histrionic skills
|histrionic training
|histrionic expression
Themes
arts
|theatre
|media
Examples
- The course focuses on histrionic techniques like voice projection and stage movement.
- She studied ancient histrionic traditions before directing the production.
Learner examples
- He is interested in histrionic arts like theatre.
Grammar
Dictionary form
histrionic
IPA
GB/hˌɪstɹiˈɑnɪk/
US/hˌɪstɹiˈɑnɪk/
Syllables & stress
his - tri - on - ic (4 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (on)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: histrionic
Word family
Core family
histrionics
noun
Advanced or less common
histrionically
adverb C1
Expressions
histrionic personality disorder
1/hˌɪstɹiˈɑnɪk pˌɚsənˈælɪti dɪsˈɔɹdɚ/
fixed phrase
technical
Personality disorder with attention-seeking
A medical term for a personality disorder linked to strong attention-seeking behavior.
Examples
- The clinician explained that histrionic personality disorder involves persistent patterns, not occasional drama.
- He was assessed for histrionic personality disorder after years of unstable relationships and attention-seeking behavior.