French Conversation · Level 69
60 words
French word
théâtral
Pronunciation
IPA/teatʁal/
Meaning
- adjectiveexaggerated
Example
Sa réaction était vraiment théâtrale.
Her reaction was really exaggerated.
More examples
Il parle toujours de façon théâtrale.
He always speaks in an exaggerated manner.
Core concept
A reaction presented as though an audience were watching, making its emotion and display seem larger than the situation requires.
Common phrases
réaction théâtrale
exaggerated reaction
entrée théâtrale
dramatic entrance
attitude théâtrale
exaggerated attitude
Similar words
exagéré: Presenting facts or amounts as greater than they really are.
excessif: Going beyond what is needed or reasonable in degree.
dramatique: Making events or emotions seem especially intense and dramatic.
affecté: Using an unnatural, deliberately showy manner or way of speaking.
Definition in French
Relatif au théâtre ou qui rappelle le théâtre par son caractère excessif ; employé pour qualifier une attitude ou une réaction trop dramatique.
Word origin
Théâtral derives from théâtre, itself descended from Latin theatrum, and extends the literal theatrical sense to behavior that resembles dramatic stage acting.
Usage tips
- In French, théâtral can describe either theatre-related material or an overly dramatic attitude, so context determines whether the word is neutral or critical.