histrionicallyadv.
/ˌhɪstrɪˈɒnᵻkli/, U.S. /ˌhɪstriˈɑnək(ə)li/ In a histrionic manner; in connection with or in the style of actors or acting; esp. (in later use) in an exaggeratedly or excessively theatrical manner, stagily.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > affected behaviour or affectation > [adverb] > in theatrical or exaggerated manner
histrionically?1631
theatrically1647
stagily1867
society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > drama > acting > [adverb]
histrionically?1631
?1631 W. Twisse Doctr. Synod of Dort & Arles 88 Very artificially and histrionically they [sc. these olde Evangelists] turne over all the debaucht Christians in the world on our side.
1647 J. Trapp Mellificium Theol. in Comm. Epist. & Rev. 637 They did all theatrically, histrionically, hypocritically.
1657 W. Morice Coena quasi Κοινὴ Def. xix. 337 To translate the Stage into the Church, making some Histrionically to personate that which they are not.
1780 T. Sheridan Gen. Dict. Eng. Lang. I Histrionically, theatrically, in the manner of a buffoon.
1847 G. W. Featherstonhaugh Canoe Voy. Minnay Sotor I. xxi. 214 A small theatre..where some of the histrionically disposed soldiers were that evening to represent the comedy of ‘The Poor Gentleman’.
1864 Realm 25 May 7 Signor Graziani..is now a very fair Valentine considered histrionically.
1912 T. Dreiser Financier lxxii. 747 He laid a restraining hand on Callum's arm, but the latter, half angrily, half histrionically, pushed it away.
1961 R. M. Dashwood Provinc. Daughter (2002) 102 Preacher..goes on far too long, shuddering histrionically and affectedly at bare idea of carnal sins.
2000 H. Simpson Hey Yeah Right (2001) 86 He paused and smiled at the kilted loon beside him, who seized a knife and plunged it histrionically into the haggis.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2012; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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adv.?1631