theatrically
/θiˈætrɪkli/ (bre, ipa) · [θiˈætrɪkəlˌi] /θiˈætrɪkli/ (ame, ipa) · [θiˈætrɪkəlˌi] /thēˈa‧trə̇k(ə)lē How to pronounce theatrically (audio) thiˈ-, -rēk-, -li/ (ame, mw)
theatrically — adverb
1. in a way that is connected to theatre, opera, or other live stage work — describ
in a way that is connected to theatre, opera, or other live stage work — describing how something is done as part of a theatrical production, such as designing sets, making costumes, or lighting a performance.
The opera was theatrically ambitious, with huge sets and a forty-person cast.
theatrically ambitious + theatre sets/cast
The costumes for the play were theatrically authentic, using fabrics and patterns from the 1700s.
theatrically authentic + period costumes
The set was theatrically designed to look like a busy Paris street market at night.
The lighting was theatrically effective, casting long blue shadows across the bare wooden stage.
To make the battle scene feel theatrically grand, the director added smoke and drums.
- on stage
more specific — refers to the actual performance space rather than the manner of doing something
- in performance
slightly broader — can include any type of live presentation
用法筆記
Commonly modifies adjectives like ambitious or powerful, and verbs like stage, design, and present. The focus is on genuine connection to live performance, not on exaggerated personal behaviour (see sense 3).
2. in a cinema setting — used especially to describe a film being shown to the publ
in a cinema setting — used especially to describe a film being shown to the public in a movie theatre, often before or instead of being available on DVD or streaming services.
The film opened theatrically in Japan before streaming worldwide.
collocation: opened theatrically
Reema prefers to watch action movies theatrically rather than on her laptop.
The documentary was released theatrically in fifteen countries last month.
The animated film earned far more theatrically than it did on streaming services.
- in cinemas
more neutral — 'released in cinemas' is the everyday phrase; 'theatrically' is slightly more formal or industry-specific
- on the big screen
informal — emphasises the experience of watching in a theatre
- on video
refers to home viewing rather than cinema release
- on streaming
refers to digital platforms rather than cinema release
用法筆記
Nearly always describes how or where a film is shown. 'Released theatrically' and 'opened theatrically' are fixed patterns in the film industry. Common in American English; British English more often uses 'released in cinemas'.
常見錯誤
3. in an exaggerated, showy way that seems intended to make people notice you rathe
in an exaggerated, showy way that seems intended to make people notice you rather than to express genuine feeling — for example, sighing loudly, gasping, or throwing your hands up for effect.
Ada sighed theatrically and rolled her eyes at the suggestion.
collocation: sighed theatrically
Adaeze threw her hands up theatrically when she heard the exam was delayed.
Yasmin covered her mouth theatrically as if the secret was too shocking to repeat.
When the waiter brought the wrong order, Mr. Chen leaned back theatrically and shook his head in disbelief.
Roya gasped theatrically when she saw the size of the birthday cake.
- dramatically
broader — can be positive (dramatically effective) or neutral; 'theatrically' more strongly suggests putting on a show
- melodramatically
more negative — suggests excessive emotion that is not believable
- showily
focuses on wanting to be noticed rather than the stage-like quality of the behaviour
用法筆記
Commonly pairs with verbs of reacting or speaking: sigh, pause, groan, gasp, gesture. The behaviour is seen as put on for effect rather than genuine, but is not necessarily negative — it can be playful or humorous.