theatrical

[[t]θiæ̱trɪk(ə)l[/t]]

theatricals

1) ADJ: ADJ n Theatrical means relating to the theatre.

These are the prizes given for the most outstanding British theatrical performances of the year.

...major theatrical productions.

Derived words:

theatrically [[t]θiæ̱trɪkli[/t]] ADV

Shaffer's great gift lies in his ability to animate ideas theatrically.

2) ADJ-GRADED Theatrical behaviour is exaggerated and unnatural, and intended to create an effect.

In a theatrical gesture Glass clamped his hand over his eyes.

Derived words:

theatricality [[t]θiæ̱trɪkæ̱lɪti[/t]] N-UNCOUNT

There was no theatricality in her long silence.

theatrically ADV

He looked theatrically at his watch.

3) ADJ-GRADED Theatrical can be used to describe something that is grand and dramatic, as if it is part of a performance in a theatre.

There was a theatrical air about the whole scene which had a great appeal for me...

The clothes were very showy, very theatrical.

Derived words:

theatricality N-UNCOUNT usu N of n

I'd hate to miss out on the theatricality of a wedding.

...the architectural theatricality of Venice.

theatrically ADV-GRADED

...a white hotel theatrically set along a ridge.

4) N-PLURAL Theatricals are performances of plays and other entertainments, especially when they are done by actors who act as a hobby rather than a profession. [OLD-FASHIONED]

I always was good at amateur theatricals.

Syn:

dramatics