Melodrama Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/mɪˈlɒdrəmə/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A type of drama that emphasizes emotional appeal over dramatic action, often characterized by exaggerated dialogue, melodramatic music, and a focus on the personal struggles of the characters.

Examples

• The soap opera was a classic example of melodrama.
• The film’s plot was overly dramatic and relied heavily on melodramatic moments.

Synonyms

• Soap opera
• Drama
• Theatre

Antonyms

• Reality-based drama
• Satire
• Comedy

Etymology

The word “melodrama” comes from the Greek words “melos” (music) and “drama” (action), and was first used in the early 19th century to describe a type of play that emphasized music and emotional appeal.

Additional Information

Melodrama has been a popular form of entertainment for centuries, with many examples in literature, film, and theatre. It often relies on tropes such as love triangles, betrayals, and dramatic plot twists to keep audiences engaged. While it can be over-the-top and formulaic, melodrama can also be a powerful way to explore complex emotions and themes.

Melodrama has also been influential in shaping the way we tell stories and create characters. It has inspired many other genres and styles of drama, and continues to be a dominant force in popular culture.

Usage Notes

Melodrama is often used to describe a style of drama that is overly emotional or sensational. However, it can also be used to describe a type of drama that is deliberately over-the-top and campy, often for comedic effect.

Cultural References

Melodrama has been featured in many films, television shows, and books, including “The Perils of Pauline”, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”, and “The Color Purple”.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• “Melodramatic” – used to describe someone or something that is overly emotional or dramatic.

Related Words or Phrases

• Drama
• Theatre
• Soap opera
• Play

Collocations

• Melodrama and soap opera are often used together to describe a type of dramatic programming.
• Melodrama and over-the-top are often used together to describe something that is excessively dramatic or emotional.

Frequency of Use

Melodrama is a relatively common term in modern language, especially in the context of popular culture and media.

Common Misspellings

• Gerbera
• Melodroam