dramatize

C1 Topic:Actions & Processes

US /ˈdræmətaɪz/ UK /ˈdræmətaɪz/ See IPA manual

Freq #49211

Meanings

1

verb
to adapt a story or event for performance as a play, film, radio work, or television program

The screenwriter chose to dramatize the explorer's final expedition.
2

verb
to present or demonstrate something vividly through action or striking detail

The sudden shortage helped dramatize the weakness of the supply chain.
3

verb
to make an event or situation seem more exciting, serious, or emotional than it is

There is no need to dramatize a minor disagreement.

Verb forms

Verb forms are not available for this word yet.

Thesaurus

Synonyms

1 verb · to adapt a story or event... adapt stage script

2 verb · to present or demonstrate... illustrate highlight depict

3 verb · to make an event or... exaggerate overstatesensationalize

Opposites

understate minimizeplay down

Word family

Derived forms dramatizationdramatizerdramatized

Related forms drama dramatic dramatist

Etymology

Formed from drama + -ize in the eighteenth century. Its senses developed from turning material into drama to presenting something vividly or exaggerating its emotional force.

Topics

Actions & Processes Word Formation & Derivatives

External links

# dramatize

**Type:** Word
**Level:** C1
**Part of speech:** verb
**IPA (US):** /ˈdræmətaɪz/
**IPA (UK):** /ˈdræmətaɪz/
**Frequency rank:** 49211

## Meanings
1. to adapt a story or event for performance as a play, film, radio work, or television program
2. to present or demonstrate something vividly through action or striking detail
3. to make an event or situation seem more exciting, serious, or emotional than it is

## Examples
- The screenwriter chose to dramatize the explorer's final expedition.
- The sudden shortage helped dramatize the weakness of the supply chain.
- There is no need to dramatize a minor disagreement.

## Synonyms
- adapt
- stage
- illustrate
- highlight
- exaggerate
- sensationalize

## Antonyms
- understate
- minimize
- play down

## Derived Forms
- dramatization
- dramatizer
- dramatized

## Related Forms
- drama
- dramatic
- dramatist

## Etymology
Formed from drama + -ize in the eighteenth century. Its senses developed from turning material into drama to presenting something vividly or exaggerating its emotional force.

## Topics
- Actions & Processes
- Word Formation & Derivatives

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