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 Word Forms

• nondramatically adverb
• overdramatically adverb
• pseudodramatically adverb
• quasi-dramatically adverb
• semidramatically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of dramatically¹

dramatic ( def. ) + -ally ( def. )

Example Sentences

Ukraine has dramatically increased the number of attacks launched against Russian oil refineries in recent months, sparking fuel shortages and price rises in some parts of the country, BBC Verify and BBC Russian have found.

From BBC

The remnants of these glaciers, which have already shrunk dramatically since the late 1800s, are retreating year after year, and are projected to melt completely this century as global temperatures continue to rise.

From Los Angeles Times

The move would also dramatically cut the revenue that Univision receives because YouTube and other distributors pay fees based on the number of subscribers that have access to a channel.

From Los Angeles Times

Sable notes that use of a floating treatment vessel would dramatically extend the project’s timeline and likely increase costs for the company, which has already reported funding difficulties after repeated setbacks.

From Los Angeles Times

For a dramatically stripped-bare version of Paparazzi, she's on crutches, snarling at photographers, but soaking up the public's adoration until it frees her to walk unaided.

From BBC

Related Words

• adequately 
• completely 
• definitely 
• energetically www.thesaurus.com
• finally 
• forcefully www.thesaurus.com
• productively www.thesaurus.com

When To Use

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.