operatic

[ op-uh-rat-ik ]

adjective

1. of or relating to opera: opus:

   operatic music.

2. resembling or suitable for opera: opus:

   a voice of operatic caliber.

noun

1. Usually operatics. (used with a singular or plural verb)
   1. the technique or method of producing or staging operas. opera.
   2. exaggerated or melodramatic behavior, often thought to be characteristic of operatic acting.

operatic

/ ˌɒpəˈrætɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to opera
2. histrionic or exaggerated

Derived Forms

• ˌoperˈatically, adverb

Other Words From

• oper·ati·cal·ly adverb
• nonop·er·atic adjective
• nonop·er·ati·cal·ly adverb
• unop·er·atic adjective
• unop·er·ati·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of operatic¹

1740–50; opera ¹ + -tic, after drama, dramatic

Example Sentences

Annette is an operatic tragedy written in big loops, as well as in some very repetitive songs.

From Time

The operatic show was her first public performance, and she wore a golden mask in keeping with the flavor of the performance — à la Phantom of the Opera.

From Ozy

He’s a very over the top character, so when you write him, you always put restraint into your voice so he doesn’t come across as too operatic and mustache twirling.

From Washington Post

Roberts also happens to be a trained operatic tenor who sits on the orchestra’s board of directors.

From Washington Post

Russell’s high-pitched vocals have a dipsy-doodle operatic quality, and he’s cute enough for the pages of Tiger Beat.

From Time

“I like the concept of this operatic violence,” Holland says.

From The Daily Beast

Martin Scorsese's Wolf of Wall Street is operatic in its unapologetic depravity.

From The Daily Beast

So by now everyone knows that you hated Gatsby, “an operatic blunder,” as you called it.

From The Daily Beast

With some of it, Michelle is right and the other part is the operatic thing.

From The Daily Beast

It was diving into the operatic headfirst and that may have been a mistake.

From The Daily Beast

The page, the people, the pilgrim, and the astrologer again sing in a sort of operatic ensemble their various emotions.

From Project Gutenberg

"Oh, that only shows you can't interpret operatic music," Rob replied, with a derisive grin.

From Project Gutenberg

The operatic repertoire at that date consisted mostly of works by Bellini, Donizetti, and Mercadante.

From Project Gutenberg

There is only one road for a composer who desires to make a real name—the operatic stage.

From Project Gutenberg

Musard had a genius for making pot-pourris of operatic tunes and for introducing new effects, especially into dance music.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• choral
• emotional
• expressive
• lilting
• melodic
• passionate
• rhapsodic
• rhythmic
• soulful