histrionically
gb/hˈɪstɹiənɪkəli/ us/hˈɪstɹiənɪkəli/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
adverb
formal
C1
property
1
in an overly theatrical way
in a very dramatic, theatrical way
Usage pattern:
[someone] reacts/speaks/behaves histrionically
Common mistake:
Often confused with historically (about history), which has a completely different meaning and pronunciation.
Synonyms
theatrically (Neutral emphasis on acting-like behavior.)
|
melodramatically (Suggests exaggerated emotion, often to manipulate sympathy.)
|
dramatically (Broader; can be positive or neutral as well as critical.)
Antonyms
calmly (Without strong outward emotion or drama.)
|
matter-of-factly (Plainly and practically, without theatrical effect.)
|
restrainedly (With controlled, limited emotional display.)
Collocations
react histrionically
|behave histrionically
|speak histrionically
|gesture histrionically
|laugh histrionically
|cry histrionically
|protest histrionically
|announce histrionically
|complain histrionically
|respond histrionically
Themes
emotions
|communication
|performance
Examples
- She sighed histrionically and declared the whole meeting a disaster.
- He reacted histrionically to the criticism, as if it were a personal attack.
- The actor waved goodbye histrionically, playing to the crowd.
Learner examples
- He spoke histrionically to get attention.
- She laughed histrionically at a small joke.
adverb
technical
C2
property
2
in an attention-seeking way
in a way that tries to get attention by being very emotional
Usage pattern:
[someone] behaves/acts/responds histrionically (in relationships / in public)
Common mistake:
This sense can sound like a judgment about personality; in clinical contexts it should be used carefully and precisely.
Synonyms
attention-seekingly (Directly highlights the goal of getting attention.)
|
ostentatiously (Emphasizes showiness; not necessarily emotional.)
Antonyms
unassumingly (Without trying to draw attention.)
|
modestly (With reduced self-display and emphasis on the self.)
Collocations
act histrionically
|behave histrionically
|respond histrionically
|present himself histrionically
|present herself histrionically
|display emotions histrionically
|interact histrionically
|flirt histrionically
Themes
psychology
|behavior
|emotions
Examples
- In relationships, he sometimes behaved histrionically when he felt ignored.
- The report describes her as responding histrionically to minor setbacks.
- He presented himself histrionically in public, constantly seeking reassurance.
Learner examples
- He acted histrionically when people did not notice him.
Grammar
Dictionary form
histrionically
IPA
GB/hˈɪstɹiənɪkəli/
US/hˈɪstɹiənɪkəli/
Syllables & stress
his - tri - on - ic - ally (5 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (his)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: histrionically
- Plural: histrionicallies
Word family
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.