theatrically
/θiˈætrɪkli/ (bre, ipa) · [θiˈætrɪkəlˌi] /θiˈætrɪkli/ (ame, ipa) · [θiˈætrɪkəlˌi] /thēˈa‧trə̇k(ə)lē How to pronounce theatrically (audio) thiˈ-, -rēk-, -li/ (ame, mw)
theatrically — 副詞
1. in a way that is connected to theatre, opera, or other live stage work — describ
在劇場方面
與劇場、舞台表演相關地
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.
這部歌劇在戲劇方面野心很大，有巨大的佈景和四十人的演員陣容。
theatrically ambitious + theatre sets/cast
The costumes for the play were theatrically authentic, using fabrics and patterns from the 1700s.
這齣戲的戲服在劇場方面考究真實，使用了十八世紀的布料和花樣。
theatrically authentic + period costumes
The set was theatrically designed to look like a busy Paris street market at night.
舞台按照劇場風格設計，呈現出夜晚熱鬧的巴黎街頭市集。
The lighting was theatrically effective, casting long blue shadows across the bare wooden stage.
燈光在戲劇效果上十分出色，在裸露的木質舞台上投下長長的藍色影子。
To make the battle scene feel theatrically grand, the director added smoke and drums.
為了讓戰鬥場景在戲劇效果上氣勢磅礡，導演加入了煙霧和鼓聲。
- 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
在電影院
在電影院上映或播放
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.
這部電影先在日本的電影院上映，之後才在全球串流平台上線。
collocation: opened theatrically
Reema prefers to watch action movies theatrically rather than on her laptop.
Reema 比較喜歡在電影院看動作片，而不是在她的筆電上看。
The documentary was released theatrically in fifteen countries last month.
那部紀錄片上個月在十五個國家的電影院上映。
The animated film earned far more theatrically than it did on streaming services.
這部動畫片在院線的收入遠超過串流平台上的收益。
- 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
誇張地
言行誇張刻意引人注意地
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.
Ada 誇張地嘆了口氣，然後對那個提議翻了個白眼。
collocation: sighed theatrically
Adaeze threw her hands up theatrically when she heard the exam was delayed.
Adaeze 誇張地把雙手一攤，聽到考試延期時露出一臉無奈。
Yasmin covered her mouth theatrically as if the secret was too shocking to repeat.
Yasmin 誇張地捂住嘴巴，好像這個秘密震驚到讓她說不出口。
When the waiter brought the wrong order, Mr. Chen leaned back theatrically and shook his head in disbelief.
當服務生送錯餐點時，Mr. Chen 誇張地向後一靠，難以置信地搖了搖頭。
Roya gasped theatrically when she saw the size of the birthday cake.
Roya 看到生日蛋糕的尺寸時，誇張地倒抽了一口氣。
- 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.