melodrama

Meanings

1. A kind of drama having a musical accompaniment to intensify the effect of certain scenes.
2. A drama abounding in romantic sentiment and agonizing situations, with a musical accompaniment only in parts which are especially thrilling or pathetic.
3. A passage in which the orchestra plays a somewhat descriptive accompaniment, while the actor speaks.
4. Any situation or action which is blown out of proportion.

Etymology

From French mélodrame, the second element refashioned by analogy with drama; ultimately from Ancient Greek μέλος (mélos, “limb”, “member”, “song”, “tune”, “melody”) + δρᾶμα (drâma, “deed”, “theatrical act”). Compare melodrame. Cognate to German Melodram and Spanish melodrama.