What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
histrionic
Example
She gave a histrionic performance, complete with exaggerated gestures and facial expressions. [histrionic: adjective]
Example
He was accused of being histrionic after throwing a fit over a minor issue. [histrionic: adjective]
dramatic
Example
The dramatic conclusion of the movie left the audience on the edge of their seats. [dramatic: adjective]
Example
She gave a dramatic reading of the poem, emphasizing its emotional content. [dramatic: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dramatic is more commonly used than histrionic in everyday language. Dramatic is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while histrionic is less common and is often associated with psychology or mental health.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between histrionic and dramatic?
While histrionic is typically associated with a formal or clinical tone, dramatic is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.