theatricals: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, sometimes humorous when referring to behaviour.
Quick answer
What does “theatricals” mean?
Performances of plays, especially by amateur actors.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Performances of plays, especially by amateur actors.
Behaviour that is exaggerated, emotional, or dramatic, as if part of a stage performance; also refers to the dramatic arts, performances, or theatrical properties and activities in general.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Slightly more common in British English to refer to amateur dramatic performances. In American English, 'community theater' or 'amateur theater' is often used for the activity, while 'theatricals' might be more literary or slightly old-fashioned.
Connotations
In both, when applied to a person's behaviour, it carries a negative connotation of being overly dramatic or insincere. For performances, it is neutral or slightly quaint.
Frequency
Low frequency in both varieties, primarily found in written and formal spoken contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “theatricals” in a Sentence
participate in + theatricalsbe involved in + theatricalsput on + theatricalsher + theatricals + were tiresomeVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in event management or marketing for corporate 'themed' events.
Academic
Used in history, literature, or cultural studies discussing 19th-century social life or amateur arts.
Everyday
Mostly used by people involved in or discussing amateur drama groups. Can be used humorously to describe someone's melodramatic behaviour.
Technical
Not a technical term in theatre studies; 'amateur theatre' is preferred.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “theatricals”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “theatricals”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “theatricals”
- Using it as a singular noun (e.g., 'a theatrical' is incorrect for this meaning). Confusing it with the adjective 'theatrical'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a plural noun. There is no singular form for this specific meaning.
It is very unusual. The word almost exclusively refers to amateur or non-professional performances and activities.
No, it is usually critical, suggesting their emotional display is exaggerated and performed for effect.
'Theatre' is the general art form, institution, or building. 'Theatricals' specifically refers to the practical activities or performances, especially amateur ones.
Performances of plays, especially by amateur actors.
Theatricals is usually formal, sometimes humorous when referring to behaviour. in register.
Theatricals: in British English it is pronounced /θiˈætrɪk(ə)lz/, and in American English it is pronounced /θiˈætrək(ə)lz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to the plural form.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'THEATRE' + 'ICALS' (like 'musicals') – it's the activity-related stuff of the theatre.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A STAGE (e.g., 'Her daily theatricals exhausted everyone.')
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common meaning of 'theatricals'?