dramatised

dramatised — verb

1. To describe an event, problem, or feeling so it seems far bigger or more alarmin

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

To describe an event, problem, or feeling so it seems far bigger or more alarming than the facts support.

例句

Kian dramatised a small delay as if the trip were ruined.

pattern: dramatise + something + as if + clause

After one bad review, the singer dramatised the setback online.

同義詞
  • exaggerate

    the most direct synonym; it simply means making something seem greater than it is

  • overstate

    often used for claims, numbers, or formal descriptions rather than emotional stories

  • sensationalize

    suggests adding shock value to attract attention, especially in news or media

反義詞
  • downplay

    make something seem less important or serious than it is

  • understate

    describe something as smaller or weaker than the facts suggest

文法句型

dramatise + event/problem/report

dramatise + something + as if + clause

dramatise + something + into + crisis/disaster

用法筆記

This sense often has a negative tone and is commonly used for reports, reactions, or everyday problems. Distinguish it from sense 2, where the word means adapting material for performance.

常見錯誤

❌The class dramatised the folktale for the school festival.
✅The class adapted the folktale for the school festival.
💡that sentence is about preparing a performance, not exaggerating events.
❌Mira dramatised her friend.
✅Mira dramatised the argument with her friend.
💡the object is usually the situation or report, not the person.

2. To turn a book, story, poem, or real event into a version that actors can perfor

2.動詞及物C1
釋義

To turn a book, story, poem, or real event into a version that actors can perform on stage, on radio, or on screen.

例句

Ezra dramatised the memoir for a youth theatre in Leeds.

pattern: dramatise + something + for + theatre

The producer dramatised Mina's diary for a late-night radio series.

collocation: dramatise a diary for radio

同義詞
  • adapt

    the broadest term; it can include changes for many different media, not only dramatic performance

  • stage

    focuses on preparing something specifically for live theatre

  • script

    emphasizes writing the script itself rather than the whole adaptation process

文法句型

dramatise + book/story/event

dramatise + something + for + stage/radio/screen

dramatise + something + into + script

用法筆記

The object is usually a written work or a real event. Distinguish this sense from sense 1, which is about making facts sound more dramatic instead of creating a performable version.

常見錯誤

❌The paper dramatised the train delay in its report.
✅The paper exaggerated the train delay in its report.
💡that sentence belongs to sense 1 about exaggeration, not to this adaptation sense.
❌The club dramatised the novel by talking about it on stage.
✅The club dramatised the novel for a student play.
💡this sense means creating a version that can be performed.