What is melodrama? How to use in English

Definition & pronunciation of melodrama

melodramanoun
kịch tính
/ˈmelədrɑːmə//ˈmelədrɑːmə/

Where does the word melodrama come from?

The term "melodrama" originated in the 19th century. It is derived from the Greek words "melos," meaning song or music, and "drama," meaning drama or action. Initially, melodrama referred to a type of play that used music and song to convey emotions and tell a story. These plays often featured heightened drama, exaggerated plots, and stock characters. The term "melodrama" was coined in the early 19th century to describe a genre of theater that emphasized emotional spectacle and sensationalism. These plays were often sensational and attention-grabbing, with dramatic plot twists and over-the-top performances. The term "melodrama" has since been used to describe not only this type of theater but also films and other forms of storytelling that feature excessive drama, sentimentality, and a focus on emotional spectacle.

Vocabulary summary melodrama

type noun

meaning melodrama

meaning exaggerated words, hyperbole, overly sentimental words; exaggerated gesture

Example of vocabulary melodramanamespace

a story, play or novel that is full of exciting events and in which the characters and emotions seem too exaggerated to be real

a gripping Victorian melodrama
Instead of tragedy, we got melodrama.
The nurse knew that the patient's condition was serious, but she urged the doctor to avoid making a melodrama out of it.
The manager couldn't believe that the sales figures were so low, but he didn't want to make a big melodrama out of it in front of the team.
When the actress heard that her character was changing, she feared that the producers would turn it into a melodrama.

events, behaviour, etc. that are exaggerated or extreme