dramatically

[ druh-mat-ik-lee ]

adverb

1. in a way that relates to plays or the theater; in or as a play:

   The author's choice of words may imply that his text is to be read aloud or acted out dramatically.

2. in a way characteristic of or appropriate to the theater, especially in involving conflict, intense emotion, or exaggerated speech or action:

   The speaker was quite a showman, first crouching behind the lectern, then rising up dramatically to demonstrate the rapid progress of some nations.

3. in a way that is typical of a play in form or structure:

   The film is dramatically structured—not in its narrative form, but in the way it focuses on the faces, bodies, and voices of specific performers.

4. in a striking way; with a striking effect or to a striking degree:

   During Hurricane Sandy, mobile internet usage spiked dramatically as people went online to get answers.

   Her dark hat and scarf dramatically set off her pale and delicate features.

Other Words From

• non·dra·mat·i·cal·ly adverb
• o·ver·dra·mat·i·cal·ly adverb
• pseu·do·dra·mat·i·cal·ly adverb
• qua·si-dra·mat·i·cal·ly adverb
• sem·i·dra·mat·i·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of dramatically¹

dramatic ( def ) + -ally ( def )

Example Sentences

This could dramatically reduce the amount of tritium needed to start up and maintain fusion reactions, leading to more compact and affordable fusion systems.

From Science Daily

As technology has improved, computers have made it easier to process these sections of DNA, which has dramatically changed Y chromosome research.

From Science Daily

Forays by settlers and Israeli soldiers to uproot Palestinians' olive trees, both in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, have escalated dramatically in the wake of the Hamas attack on Oct.

From Salon

And while humanity's life expectancy has increased dramatically in the modern era, we still struggle with the inevitable health issues our bodies face as we get up in the years.

From Science Daily

Reusing the Super Heavy booster dramatically cut costs, with each booster powered by 33 engines fueled by methane.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• adequately
• completely
• definitely
• energetically
• finally
• forcefully
• productively

More About Dramatically

What does dramatically mean?

Dramatically means done in a striking or theatrical way, as if acting.

When used literally, dramatically is used when someone does something for the sake of a performance, as in a play. Drama describes the art of writing or producing a play, and something that is done dramatically is done in an effort to further that play.

More often, the term dramatically is used figuratively to describe someone being overly flamboyant or petty. Someone who is acting dramatically may display their emotions for the sake of seeking attention or may respond in an argument with undue levels of anger or harshness.

Example: The kids always act dramatically when I say we can’t have pizza for dinner.

Where does dramatically come from?

The first records of the term dramatically come from around 1650. It combines the term dramatic, meaning “of or relating to drama,” the suffix –al, which means “having the character of,” and the suffix –ly, which forms adverbs from adjectives.

Dramatically can also be used to describe an action or event. For example, if a business’s value suddenly rises to a high amount, you could say its value rose dramatically. Just as something done dramatically in a play is supposed to advance the plot, something done dramatically elsewhere may attempt to quickly raise or advance something, such as wealth, power, or mood.

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms related to dramatically?

• nondramatically (adverb)
• overdramatically (adverb)
• semidramatically (adverb)
• undramatically (adverb)

What are some synonyms for dramatically?

• desperately
• dangerously
• seriously
• effectively
• completely

What are some words that share a root or word element with dramatically?

• drama
• dramatic
• dramatize

What are some words that often get used in discussing dramatically?

• act
• monologue
• changed

How is dramatically used in real life?

Dramatically will often be used by someone who is criticizing someone else for being dramatic or by someone who is analyzing a trend that changes in a big way.

If the Christmas carolers at my door are really good, I turn my red swivel chair dramatically toward them.

— Conan O'Brien (@ConanOBrien) December 15, 2017

Writing for two minutes a day describing one positive experience you had over the past 24 hours can dramatically increase happiness.

— UberFacts (@UberFacts) December 15, 2014

while everyone else on the bus is sleeping, i'm sitting up in the front reading! …what have i become *dramatically looks out the window*

— connor (@connorfranta) June 6, 2014

 

Try using dramatically!

Is dramatically used correctly in the following sentence?

Shouting dramatically will not get you out of doing the dishes, Marshall.