dramatic

[ druh-mat-ik ]

adjective

1. of or relating to the drama.

   Synonyms: theatrical

2. employing the form or manner of the drama.
3. characteristic of or appropriate to the drama, especially in involving conflict or contrast; vivid; moving:

   dramatic colors;

   a dramatic speech.

4. highly effective; striking:

   The silence following his impassioned speech was dramatic.

   Synonyms: sensational, startling

dramatic

/ drəˈmætɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to drama
2. like a drama in suddenness, emotional impact, etc
3. striking; effective
4. acting or performed in a flamboyant way
5. music (of a voice) powerful and marked by histrionic quality

Derived Forms

• draˈmatically, adverb

Other Words From

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of dramatic¹

First recorded in 1580–90; from Late Latin drāmaticus, from Greek drāmatikós, equivalent to drāmat- (stem of drâma ) drama + -ikos -ic

Related Words

• breathtaking
• climactic
• comic
• emotional
• impressive
• melodramatic
• powerful
• sensational
• startling
• striking
• sudden
• tense
• theatrical
• thrilling
• tragic
• vivid