histrionics

/ˌhɪstriˈɒnɪks/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌhɪstriˈɑːnɪks/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌhi-strē-ˈä-niks/ (ame, mw)

histrionics — noun

1. Behaviour in which someone shows very strong feelings in an obvious, exaggerated

1.名詞C1
釋義

Behaviour in which someone shows very strong feelings in an obvious, exaggerated way, usually to get attention or sympathy from others, without sincere emotion behind it.

例句

Hassan's histrionics in the office — shouting and slamming doors — embarrassed the whole team.

shows the behaviour pattern: shouting + slamming doors

Lucia ignored her friend's histrionics over a burnt dinner and quietly ordered takeout.

同義詞
  • theatrics

    More neutral — can describe staged performances without the disapproving tone

  • dramatics

    Similar meaning but slightly less formal; often used about children's tantrums

  • melodrama

    Focuses on the exaggerated, over-emotional quality itself rather than the person's behaviour

  • tantrum

    More specific — describes a sudden burst of anger or frustration, usually by children

反義詞
  • composure

    Calm, controlled behaviour under pressure

  • restraint

    The quality of keeping feelings hidden and behaving calmly

用法筆記

Frequently used in a disapproving context to describe overly dramatic behaviour that others find insincere or attention-seeking. Often paired with verbs like 'stop', 'indulge in', 'dismiss as'.

常見錯誤

❌The family showed histrionics at the funeral.' — Histrionics implies insincere or exaggerated behaviour; using it for genuine grief is inappropriate.
✅The family showed restraint at the funeral.
💡Use 'restraint', 'composure', or 'dignity' for genuine emotion.
❌His histrionics was embarrassing.
✅His histrionics were embarrassing.
💡'Histrionics' typically takes a plural verb.