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dramatically
[ druh-mat-ik-lee ]
adverb
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Example Sentences
As the study found, some of the most dramatic increases in air pressure are expected during this harsh season.
Including in Hong Kong, where last year dramatic images of clashes between protesters and police dominated news feeds showing police firing live bullets and protesters attacking officers.
The FAA action is a dramatic turning point for Boeing after more than two years of bad news surrounding its best-selling model.
Portrait Lighting only works with photos that have depth data, and you can basically change how your face is lit to get a more flattering or dramatic look.
Based on the data points above, the difference between this cream and the rest of the crop is dramatic.
It could dramatically improve quality of life in communities throughout the developing world.
In Scandinavian countries this discrimination has been dramatically reduced.
Advanced maternal age dramatically increases the risk of maternal mortality as well as birth defects like Down Syndrome.
His harrowing escape from Vienna when Hitler took Austria in March 1938 is dramatically chronicled in his memoirs.
While violent offenses are dramatically down in Bed Stuy, pockets of violence persist here.
He thrust his cane dramatically through a sheet of a newspaper, which he had caught up from a table.
Carlson frowned, remained dramatically silent for a moment while he twisted his mustache.
She had suddenly presented herself to me like something dramatically recalled, fine, generous, infinitely capable of feeling.
These he emptied upon the table dramatically; white shining metal, sparkling as the candle flames wavered.
He turned dramatically, as though he were playing King Lear.
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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?
What are some words that share a root or word element with dramatically?
What are some words that often get used in discussing dramatically?
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.
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