Skip to main content
theatrically

theatrically

5 6.2
In a dramatic, exaggerated way like an actor on stage
  • adverb
  • /θiˈætrɪkli/
translation icon : teatralmente
  • I took one sip and began coughing theatrically like they do in the movies.
  • sighed theatrically
  • coughed theatrically
  • paused theatrically

You know, you can write too theatrically and too too much like your characters are on stage.

Examples

  • The white one was presented under a spotlight, very theatrically, like a work of art.

    Academic text (2005)
  • He was generally just incredible and so gifted theatrically.

  • You know, you can write too theatrically and too too much like your characters are on stage.

  • Sighing theatrically, he said, "I must be the laziest hunter in the world."

    Fiction book (1999)
  • Now he smacks his lips together, opens his arms theatrically, and gives his trademark stance.

    Fiction book (1995)
  • Face flushed, eyes flashing, he points theatrically to the cages.

    Fiction book (2002)
  • She fell to the ground theatrically, as if she were the star of a dramatic play.

  • After hearing the news, he theatrically placed his hand over his heart and gasped.

  • The villain in the play laughed theatrically, captivating the audience with his exaggerated performance.

Synonyms

dramatically
vstheatrically
330 3.9

In a way that is very noticeable or extreme

is specifically like an exaggerated live performance rather than general impact
melodramatically
vstheatrically
1 7.2

In a way that shows too much feeling to seem real

focuses on dramatic excess overall rather than mainly emotional display
histrionically
vstheatrically
1 8.9

In a very dramatic way as if acting on stage

is more general exaggeration of performance, not only actorlike display
operatically
vstheatrically
1 7.7

In a very dramatic and emotional way like an opera performance

is broad exaggerated acting, not limited to this musical, grand style
stagily
vstheatrically
9.0

In a way that looks like acting on a stage

is exaggerated like a performance in general rather than only stage manner
overdramatically
vstheatrically
6.9

In a way that shows too much feeling or action

is exaggerated performance without necessarily being excessive beyond necessity
dramaturgically
vstheatrically
9.4

In a showy way to attract attention

is simple exaggerated performance, not necessarily constructed for effect
campily
vstheatrically
8.8

In a very dramatic, playful way that makes people laugh

is exaggerated in performance without the deliberate humorous artifice

Antonyms

114 1.0

In a normal, easy way without effort

48 5.1

In a way that is not obvious or easy to notice

How Theatrical

flamboyantly
3 6.8
theatrically
5 6.2
dramatically
330 3.9
subtly
48 5.1

Surface Forms

theatrically positive

Morphology

theatrically = theatrical (transparent) = theatre + ical + ly

The adverb is the regular -ly formation from the adjective 'theatrical', so the meaning is directly derived.

Etymology

The word theatrically comes from theatre, a word from old Greek that meant a place to 'see' a play. So to behave theatrically is to act in a showy, dramatic way as if you are 'on stage'.