mindmap root((做戏)) dramatic applies to a speech, action, gesture, or situation capable of stirring the imagination and emotions deeply: a ~ meeting of world leaders. theatrical implies a crude appeal to the emotions through artificiality or exaggeration in gesture, action, or vocal expression: a ~ oration. melodramatic suggests an exaggerated emotionalism or an inappropriate theatricalism: making a ~ scene in public. histrionic applies to tones, gestures, and motions and suggests a deliberate affectation or staginess: a ~ show of grief.