dramatize
Definitions
To adapt a novel, story, or real event into a play, film, or TV drama.
把小说、故事或真实事件改编成戏剧、电影或电视剧。
To present or treat something as more serious or exciting than it is; to exaggerate.
把某事表现得比实际更严重或更激烈；夸张、小题大做。
Root Breakdown
Root-deriveddramat- (drama) + -ize ('to make') = 'to turn into a drama.' Literally, that means adapting a book or event for stage or screen. Figuratively, it means making something seem more dramatic than it really is — overreacting, blowing things up.
Root drama still carries 5 more wordsUsage Guide
- Adaptation (neutral): dramatize a book/event for stage or screen — a normal industry term
- Everyday criticism: dramatize a problem = overreact, make a fuss; usually negative
- Spelling: dramatize (US) / dramatise (UK) — both standard
Watch the tone: 'they dramatized her life story' (respectful) vs 'stop dramatizing' (you're overreacting).
Example Sentences
- 1.
The novel was dramatized for television last year.
- 2.
The documentary dramatizes the events leading up to the war.
- 3.
Stop dramatizing everything — it was just a small mistake.