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histrion

histrion

9.9
A person who acts in a very dramatic, showy way
  • noun
  • /ˈhɪstriən/
  • Archaic
translation icon : histrión
  • Some consider her a true histrion because of her tendency to overact in every role.

Examples

  • Some critics accused him of being more histrion than artist, relying too much on dramatic flair.

  • The histrion delivered his lines with such passion that the entire audience was captivated.

  • In ancient Rome, a histrion was both a performer and a composer of plays.

  • The histrion captivated the audience with his dramatic flair.

  • Many histrions prefer to perform in front of large crowds.

  • The histrion captivated the audience with his dramatic flair and expressive gestures.

  • At the theater, the histrion brought such energy to the performance that it left a lasting impression.

Synonyms

actor
vshistrion
1.0

A person who acts in plays, films, or television

is a performer known for being overly theatrical and affected in manner
player
vshistrion
  • Archaic
36 2.2

A person who acts on stage in theatre shows

is about a performer who is especially theatrical rather than general stage work
ham
vshistrion
  • Offensive
17 8.3

A performer who acts in an exaggerated way to get attention

is a performer who is theatrical regardless of skill
thespian
vshistrion
16 7.6

A person who acts in plays on stage

is used for a performer who is more theatrical and affected than ordinary
drama king
vshistrion
  • Offensive
1 7.5

A man or boy who makes his feelings seem bigger than they are to get attention

is about theatrical display by a performer rather than mere attention seeking
role player
vshistrion
1 3.3

A person who plays a part in a play, movie, or show

focuses on being theatrical and affected rather than simply performing a role
melodramatist
vshistrion
8.8

A person who reacts in a very emotional way to small ordinary events

is about a performer being theatrical rather than general emotional exaggeration

How Theatrical

histrion
  • Archaic
9.9
ham
  • Offensive
17 8.3
actor
1.0

Surface Forms

histrion singular
histrions plural

Etymology

The word histrion comes from the Latin histrio, which meant 'actor' in ancient Rome. Because those actors often used big gestures and a loud style, histrion now means an actor who is very dramatic or showy.