PROH-tee-un
(adjective) Able to change or adapt easily; versatile.
His protean acting abilities allowed him to play both villain and hero convincingly.
Fun Fact
The word comes from Proteus, a Greek sea god who could change shape at will. In modern use, it’s often applied to creative talents, politicians, or technologies that constantly reinvent themselves.
hiss-tree-ON-ik
(adjective) Overly dramatic or emotional in behavior or speech; exaggerated for effect.
Her reaction to the minor inconvenience was so histrionic that everyone nearby stopped to stare.
Histrionic comes from the Latin histrio, meaning “actor,” and originally referred to stage performance. Over time, the meaning expanded to describe behavior that resembles theatrical acting—exaggerated, emotional, and designed to draw attention.
Fun Fact
Psychologists note that histrionic behavior can sometimes emerge in high-pressure environments, like competitive arts, sports, or politics, where expressive displays grab attention quickly. Studies in communication science show that dramatic gestures and heightened emotion can make messages seem more memorable — but also less trustworthy when overused.
Today's Word Histrionic hiss-tree-ON-ik Definition (adjective) Overly dramatic or emotional...
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