Drama
/ˈdrɑːmə/
Definitions
2 meaningsA composition in prose or verse presenting a story through dialogue or action and intended for performance; a play.
/ˈdrɑːmə/
A play for theater, radio, or television.
The school is putting on a drama about the life of a historical figure.
💡 Simply: Drama is like a story acted out on a stage or screen. It's usually filled with exciting or emotional events. Like the exciting TV series you binge-watch!
👶 For kids: A drama is a story that actors act out on a stage or on TV.
More Examples
She wrote a drama about the struggles of immigrants in the early 20th century.
The drama club rehearsed for months before their opening night performance.
How It's Used
"Shakespeare's dramas are still performed worldwide."
"The drama was a huge success at the box office."
An exciting, emotional, or unexpected series of events or set of circumstances, especially one involving conflict or crisis.
/ˈdrɑːmə/
An exciting, emotional, or unexpected event or circumstance.
The news was filled with drama as the storm approached.
💡 Simply: Drama can also mean a lot of excitement or trouble happening, like when there's a big argument or a surprising situation. It can be like the gossip between friends!
👶 For kids: Drama is when something exciting or a bit scary happens.
More Examples
He tried to avoid the drama surrounding his family.
There's always a lot of drama at that school reunion.
How It's Used
"There was a lot of drama at the meeting."
"The family drama was making her exhausted."
Idioms & expressions
make a drama out of something
To exaggerate or overreact to a situation; to make a bigger deal out of something than it needs to be.
"Don't make a drama out of a little spilled milk, it's not a big deal."
The drama queen
A person who overreacts to situations, is overly emotional, and often seeks attention.
"She's such a drama queen; she makes a fuss about everything."
From Greek *dráma* (a thing done, a play), from *dráō* (to do). Initially referred to theatrical plays, it broadened to include any exciting or emotional event.
The term 'drama' has been used since the Greek era to describe plays and performances. The use of 'drama' to describe emotionally charged events arose later.
Memory tip
Think of the play you saw last night - that's drama!