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melodrama


melo·dra·ma

noun \ˈme-lə-ˌdrä-mə, -ˌdra-\

Definition of MELODRAMA

1
a : a work (as a movie or play) characterized by extravagant theatricality and by the predominance of plot and physical action over characterization b : the genre of dramatic literature constituted by such works
2
: something resembling a melodrama especially in having a sensational or theatrical quality
melo·dra·ma·tist \ˌme-lə-ˈdra-mə-tist, -ˈdrä-\ noun

Examples of MELODRAMA

  1. Critics dismissed his work as melodrama.
  2. an actor with a talent for melodrama
  3. She is starring in another melodrama.
  4. The trial turned into a melodrama.
  5. a life full of melodrama

Origin of MELODRAMA

modification of French mélodrame, from Greek melos song + French drame drama, from Late Latin drama
First Known Use: 1802

Other Performing Arts Terms

diva, dramaturgy, loge, prestidigitation, proscenium, supernumerary, zany

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