melodramatic, a.
(mɛləʊdrəˈmætɪk)
[f. melodrama, after dramatic.]
Of or pertaining to melodrama; having the characteristics of melodrama. Often in depreciative sense: Characterized by sensationalism and spurious pathos.
| 1816 Edin. Rev. XXVII. 79 This siege abounded in melo⁓dramatic situations. 1831 E. J. Trelawny Adv. Younger Son III. 218 Her melo-dramatic fury augmented to such a pitch..that [etc.]. 1873 J. Hannay in Cornh. Mag. Feb. 189 Sometimes his tragedy degenerates into the melodramatic. 1897 M. Kingsley W. Africa 13 Whenever and however it may be seen, soft and dream-like in the sunshine, or melodramatic and bizarre in the moonlight, it is one of the most beautiful things the eye of man may see. |