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

Other Word Forms

• dramatically adverb
• nondramatic adjective
• overdramatic adjective
• predramatic adjective
• pseudodramatic adjective
• quasi-dramatic adjective
• semidramatic adjective
• undramatic 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

Example Sentences

Since his confirmation earlier this year, Hegseth has been at the helm of dramatic changes at the Pentagon.

From Salon

The franchise has rented various training locations throughout its history, making the new building a dramatic upgrade for the team.

From Los Angeles Times

Although Mutharika weathered the corruption allegations, he ended up losing the presidency in one of the most dramatic moments in Malawi's political history.

From BBC

Shakespeare wrote that the eve of battle is as dramatic as the fight itself: full of anticipation, promises and theatre.

From BBC

The judges said: "A novel about how to live, and about the tensions within marriages, set against the most dramatic winter in living memory. It's a joy to read, a nerve-shredding pleasure."

From BBC

Related Words

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