operatic

American  

[op-uh-rat-ik] / ˌɒp əˈræt ɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to opera: opus.

   operatic music.

2. resembling or suitable for opera: opus.

   a voice of operatic caliber.

---

noun

1. (used with a singular or plural verb) Usually operatics.

   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 British  

/ ˌɒpəˈrætɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to opera

2. histrionic or exaggerated

---

Other Word Forms

• nonoperatic adjective
• nonoperatically adverb
• operatically adverb
• unoperatic adjective
• unoperatically adverb

Etymology

Origin of operatic

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

Example Sentences

The desire is already there — loud, obvious, borderline operatic.

From Salon

La Scala is still involved with the Olympics—just not in a full-blown operatic fashion.

From The Wall Street Journal

They helped define the Italian operatic tradition and influenced centuries of Western music.

From Salon

Besson always manages to get his actors on the same page he is, and both Jones and Bleu match the director’s campy operatic tone in their melodramatic performances.

From Los Angeles Times

Politics are rarely far away from orchestral or operatic life.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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