histrionic
/hɪstɹiːˈɒnɪk/
Group 22Difficulty 2/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- Overly theatrical or melodramatic in character or style GRE
Example in Context
The senator's histrionic performance at the hearing—complete with tears and fist-pounding—struck many observers as calculated rather than sincere.
Synonyms
dramatictheatricalover-the-top
Etymology
Relating to actors, often in an exaggerated, dramatic way.
- histrio (Latin) — actor
Memory Aid
🎭Sounds like “history on a stage”
An overly dramatic actor on stage yelling, 'This is HISTORY!' — everything is HISTRIONIC!
Visual Association
🎬An actor dramatically falling to their knees, clutching their heart after receiving bad news on stage.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “histrionic” mean on the GRE?
histrionic (adjective) means “Overly theatrical or melodramatic in character or style”. The senator's histrionic performance at the hearing—complete with tears and fist-pounding—struck many observers as calculated rather than sincere.
How to remember “histrionic” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “histrionic” sounds like “history on a stage”. An overly dramatic actor on stage yelling, 'This is HISTORY!' — everything is HISTRIONIC!
What are synonyms for “histrionic”?
Common synonyms: dramatic, theatrical, over-the-top.